Consultant in Ophthalmology with an interest in Medical Retina

Job Summary

This is a replacement post for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a sub-specialty interest in Medical Retina that is complimentary to the Ophthalmology service at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. The post is based at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, but may also include sessions at Victoria Infirmary Northwich.

The successful candidate will help provide and lead the Medical Retina service within the Ophthalmology Department, including outpatient clinics and paediatric theatre sessions.

The appointee should have clinical training and breadth of experience in the management of ophthalmology conditions with a subspeciality interest and training in Medical Retina.

Applicants must have full registration with the GMC including a License to Practice and be on the Specialist Register (or be within six months of obtaining their Certificate of Completion of Training).

This is one of several Ophthalmology Consultant posts currently available at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. These vacancies have arisen through natural staff movement, such as colleagues relocating closer to home, creating a natural and positive opportunity to grow our team. We are excited to welcome innovative, enthusiastic individuals who are keen to contribute to a supportive, friendly, and forward-thinking department.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to visit the department prior to interview. The proposed AAC date is 23.06.2026.

Main Duties of the Job

The successful candidate should have the ability to offer expert clinical opinion and management on a wide range of problems, both emergency and elective, within the subspecialty and general ophthalmology, at a consultant level. The successful candidate is expected to:

• Provide expert management of patients with medical retinal eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, diabetic retinopathy, etc. The successful candidate will have continuing responsibility for patients under their care and be able to autonomously manage the majority of Medical Retina patients presenting within the Service.
• Ideally, the candidate should be competent and experienced in undertaking cataract surgery.
• Participate in general ophthalmology clinics, theatre lists and emergency eye care on a shared rota basis.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team including optometrists, nurses, orthoptists and colleagues in neighbouring units, including referral as appropriate.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for development and leadership of Medical Retina service including clinical governance, service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives. The candidate will need to work closely and collaboratively with the other medical retina consultants to effectively deliver a coherent, aligned service, including addressing delays and backlogs in the service.

About Us

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area's largest employers.

Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System. As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we're reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website.

At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.

Job Responsibilities

The post is offered at 10 PA but under the terms of the 2003 Consultant Contract, candidates who wish to conduct private practice would be required to offer an additional programmed activity.

There will be 8PAs for Direct Clinical Care (DCC).

There will be 2 Supporting Professional Activities (SPA) per week of which 1 core SPA and 1 APA, used to work flexibly when required in line with Trust Policy.

There is a 1:10 on call non-resident rota which will include evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. There is also an on call duty during normal working hours (9am 5pm, Mondays Fridays), which is conducted alongside normal working duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential:

• Full GMC Registration with license to practice
• MBBS and FRCophth or equivalent
• Entry on the GMC Specialist Register via: CCT (proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of interview), CESR or European Community Rights

Qualifications Desirable:

• PhD, MD or high degree

Ability Essential:

• Proven ability to conduct clinical and operative ophthalmology in all areas of the specialty. Commitment to effective departmental management
• Able to demonstrate a broad awareness of service management issues.
• Demonstrates awareness of skills required for effective change processes to work
• Demonstrates ability to lead a team by positive example and effective organisational skill

Ability Desirable:

• Understanding of business planning and contracting
• Proven experience in leading / facilitating a change of process

Audit and Research Essential:

• Proven involvement in clinical audit
• Proven track record of ophthalmology research with evidence of publications.

Audit and Research Desirable:

• Proven track record and evidence of publication in the area of sub specialist interest

Teaching and Education Essential:

• Evidence to allow accreditation as a Consultant Clinical Supervisor for trainee doctors with the GMC

Teaching and Education Desirable:

• Evidence to allow accreditation as a Consultant Educational Supervisor for trainee doctors with the GMC
• Education / Medical Education Qualification (preferably at Masters level)

Other Essential:

• Commitment to clinical risk management and clinical governance
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels and with patients
• Access to a serviceable vehicle and a valid driving license

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Address: Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Road, Crewe, CW1 4QJ

Employer's website: https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/

Contact

For questions about the job, contact:

Interim Service Manager, Kate Edwards - [contact hidden] - [contact hidden]