The Retina Clinic London Fellowship Programme integrates advanced imaging, clinical research and patient-centred care
The Retina Clinic London (TRCL) is inviting applications for its Medical Retina Fellowship Programme, an immersive opportunity for ophthalmologists seeking to develop their expertise in retinal care and clinical research.
Based at 24 Queen Anne Street in London’s Harley Street Health District, the fellowship is delivered under the supervision of TRCL’s medical team, led by Professor Paulo Eduardo Stanga.
Two fellowship positions are maintained within the programme, with applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Appointments are initially offered for one year and may be extended annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress.
“Our Fellowship Programme is designed to give talented ophthalmologists meaningful exposure to advanced retinal imaging, innovative treatments and rigorous clinical research,” said Professor Stanga.
“By combining clinical research with closely supervised patient care, we aim to help fellows develop the expertise and clinical judgement required to become the retinal specialists and academic leaders of the future.”
Combining research and clinical care
Fellows work closely with Professor Stanga and senior members of the medical team, contributing to translational research while gaining experience in the assessment and management of patients with retinal disease.
Research activity includes the investigation and evaluation of novel retinal imaging techniques, alongside intravitreal, subretinal and systemic pharmacotherapy for conditions including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion.
Depending on active studies and clinical activity, fellows may also gain exposure to gene therapy research and procedures, as well as emerging treatments for geographic atrophy associated with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.
Retinal imaging is central to the programme. Participants may work with swept-source optical coherence tomography, en face OCT, OCT angiography, ultra-widefield and multi-wavelength imaging, and adaptive optics.
Other areas of investigation include artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis and advanced imaging of vitreous floaters, the cortical vitreous, peripheral retina and vitreoretinal interface.
Fellows may also gain experience in YAG laser vitreolysis and the assessment and management of vitreous floaters and myodesopsia.
Several projects undertaken at TRCL explore highly specialised areas of retinal imaging, treatment and translational science, giving fellows exposure to work at the interface between clinical practice and innovation.
Experience in clinical trials
Clinical trials form an important part of the programme.
Fellows may be involved in recruiting, examining and treating patients participating in industry-sponsored studies, working under appropriate supervision and within their authorised clinical scope.
Responsibilities can include ophthalmic assessments, participation in trial visits, involvement in treatments such as intravitreal injections under appropriate supervision, and adherence to study protocols and Good Clinical Practice requirements.
Participants may also contribute to regulatory documentation, database management, study reports, scientific publications and presentations.
Where appropriate, fellows may have opportunities to present findings at scientific meetings and contribute to professional discussions about study progress and outcomes.
Alongside these responsibilities, fellows assist in the care of TRCL’s private patients and may observe or support retinal and anterior-segment procedures in theatre.
Although medical retina is the programme’s principal focus, participants may also gain wider exposure to inherited retinal disease, glaucoma, uveitis and anterior-segment conditions through the wider medical team.
A fellowship built around clinical and academic development
The programme combines day-to-day clinical experience with structured academic development.
Depending on the clinical and research schedule, fellows may participate in specialist retinal clinics, diagnostic imaging, clinical-trial visits, research meetings, data analysis, scientific writing and theatre sessions.
This integrated approach is intended to help participants develop both clinical judgement and the academic skills required for a career in specialist ophthalmology.
Who should apply?
Applicants should hold a medical degree and have completed at least one year of full-time postgraduate training in ophthalmology, including experience with ophthalmic laser treatment.
Candidates should demonstrate strong clinical, analytical, communication and teamwork skills, together with experience or a clear interest in scientific writing, literature searches, research and conference participation.
Applicants must hold General Medical Council registration with a licence to practise in the UK. Doctors applying from overseas must meet the relevant GMC and English-language requirements, including IELTS or OET where required for registration.
Following successful completion of the fellowship, participants may be considered for further clinical or research opportunities at The Retina Clinic London.
There may also be opportunities to pursue additional external vitreoretinal training under senior consultant mentorship, supporting continued surgical development.
Salary is dependent on experience.
How to apply
Applications are welcomed throughout the year, subject to fellowship availability.
To enquire about current start dates or submit an application, please email info@theretinacliniclondon.com or call +44 (0)20 4548 5310.
Applicants should include a current CV, details of their GMC registration status and a brief covering letter outlining their ophthalmology experience and interest in medical retina and clinical research.