Consultant in Ophthalmology with any interest in Medical Retina

Job overview

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 Mid Cheshire Hospitals. 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 Mid Cheshire Hospitals. 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.

Detailed job description and main 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.