How many posts are available:
There are 33 posts available in the region.
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. Ophthalmology is unique amongst medical specialties. The eye, its surrounding structures and the visual pathways may be affected by a great variety of clinical conditions. Their successful management depends on the ophthalmology team combining the diagnostic and therapeutic abilities of a physician and the technical skills of a microsurgeon with an understanding of the whole patient.
Innovative technologies for imaging the eye have helped to diagnose and treat many conditions, and there have been numerous advances in microsurgical techniques that have improved surgical outcomes. Novel treatments for degenerative diseases of the retina give hope to patients with a previously poor prognosis. These developments make it a very exciting time to work within this specialty.
The Ophthalmology programme is a seven-stage programme with each stage expected to last one year if you are in full-time training. The first two stages will be spent rotating through placements in the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Darlington Memorial Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. Each placement will be for six months.
There are 33 posts available in the region.
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP
Darlington Memorial Hospital
Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7HY
Sunderland Eye Infirmary
Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, SR2 9HP
Boon grew up in Malaysia and moved to the UK in 2013 to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen. In 2020, he transferred to the North East deanery to be closer to his partner.
He values ophthalmology for its unique blend of medicine and surgery, where diagnoses can often be made through history-taking and direct examination using specialised instruments, without heavy reliance on imaging. He finds particular satisfaction in restoring patients’ sight—often considered the most important of the senses.
He describes the North East deanery as providing high-quality, comprehensive training, supported by a strong sense of camaraderie among trainees. Many remain in the region as consultants, and he chose to do the same, valuing the supportive colleagues, appreciative patients, and positive working environment.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his young family, including his 17-month-old son, and going for weekend walks.