Ophthalmology ST1 Specialty Training Advert 2024-2025

The information and documents included on this page are to help you prepare for your future specialty training applications.

Please be aware specialty training advertisements, links, recruitment leads, post numbers, etc. can change and there is no guarantee that future advertisements and application processes will remain the same. 

Job Advert

The text below is from the specialty training advertisement included on the Oriel website and is included here for information to help you prepare for future applications.

Please be aware specialty training advertisements, links, recruitment leads, post numbers, etc. can change and there is no guarantee that future advertisements and application processes will remain the same. 

Training Programme:Ophthalmology
Post Type:Specialty Training (ST)
Post Commencing From: August 2025
Duration (months):84
Recruitment Lead:South West
Recruiting For:United Kingdom (England Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland)
Enquiries Email:England.SEVRecruitment.SW@nhs.net
Information:

National Selection for Ophthalmology

Specialty Training Level 1 (ST1)

Commencing from August 2025

NHS England (South West) is co-ordinating national selection for Specialty Training in Ophthalmology at level one (ST1). Applications are invited for approximately 90 vacancies across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales commencing from August 2025.

Successful candidates will progress from ST1 through to ST7 without further interview, subject to satisfactory annual review and award of CCT. 

 

– Timeline –

The full timeline for the selection process is published on the national recruitment website. See the hyperlinks tab to access this information.

 

– Applying –

The qualifications and professional registration requirements plus other eligibility criteria can be found in the person specification.  It is essential that you refer to the person specification and applicant guide prior to making an application.

The following information can be accessed from the links tab and within the national recruitment website 

  • Person specification
  • The full application process
  • Details of the multi-specialty recruitment assessment (MSRA)
  • Details of the posts available including the expected rotation details 

Applications are equally open to those who may, either from the outset or subsequently, wish to train less than full time or job share.

Please note that there is a strict application policy that applications cannot be accepted after the deadline.  Please ensure that you have completed all the relevant sections of the application form as missing information will deem your application incomplete and it will not be considered.  

The interviews will be virtual and will be held on the 13th and 14th of March 2025.

 

– Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment –

As part of the selection process all applicants to ST1 Ophthalmology will be required to take the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment. The assessment is mandatory and candidates who do not take the assessment will not progress through the selection process.  The assessment will be available be undertaken at Pearson Vue Centres. The specific dates will be published as soon as they are available but likely to be after applications close in November.

Other specialties will also be using the MSRA within their selection processes and candidates applying to a combination of the specialties will only be required to sit the assessment once.

 

– Vacancy numbers –

Substantive national training number (NTN) posts will be predominantly advertised. Where available, locum appointment for training (LAT) posts are only recruited in Scotland and Wales.

Post number information is published on the recruitment website as it is confirmed by each region. We aim to publish indicative information by the opening date for applications, although please note that numbers tend to change during the round. The information can be accessed by referring to the ‘Job Description’ tab on the national recruitment website.  This section also includes a brief description about each area and links to more detailed information and contacts.

Completion of a substantive programme in this specialty will lead to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

 

– Tips for submitting an application –

–  Refer to the specialty specific applicant guide in the links tab

–  On completion, save and re-open the application and then check prior to pressing the submit button. This will allow you time to review your completed application and check for any discrepancies.

–  Submit your application no later than 30 minutes before the deadline.

–  If you have a problem completing or submitting an application prior to the closing date, please ring 01454 252610

–  If you are in the process of completing an application at the point of closure a warning message will appear and you will not be able to submit the application or retrieve any of the data input.

Links

The following links were included within the advertisement. Some links may only be live or working during the application and recruitment window.

Documents

The following documents were included within the advertisement. Click the link(s) below to download the document(s) to your device.

Application Form

There were no specialty-specific Supporting Information or Self-Assessment application form questions for Ophthalmology. 

For more information on the Ophthalmology evidence folder requirements see the links to the national Ophthalmology recruitment website included in the job advert.

For the generic application form questions applicable to all specialties please visit the application form page.

Competition Ratios

Mobile Users: This table is best viewed on a computer or tablet device, or in landscape orientation on your phone. In portrait orientation press the + icon at the left of the row to see more information.

For further information and all competition data please see the Competition Ratios page.

Fill Rates

Mobile Users: This table is best viewed on a computer or tablet device, or in landscape orientation on your phone. In portrait orientation press the + icon at the left of the row to see more information.

For regional fill rate data please see the Ophthalmology Fill Rates page.