Consultant - Ophthalmology

NHS Scotland:

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a sub Speciality interest in Cornea based at University Hospital Ayr. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

Hours:

40 hours per week.

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

UK Driving Licence:

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

What you will do:

The successful candidate will become part of a team of 11 Consultant Ophthalmologists, 1 Associate Specialist, 5 Specialty Doctors, 2 trainees and one research / teaching fellow. The department currently has skills and expertise across the range of sub specialties within ophthalmology. NHS Ayrshire and Arran has consultants in post covering the full range of sub specialism. The service is looking to recruit a consultant with a sub specialty interest in cornea.

The department provides ophthalmic healthcare on an area basis for a population of approximately

375,000.

The Ophthalmology Department is based at University Hospital Ayr where adult inpatient and day surgery facilities are situated. Paediatric inpatient and day surgery is provided on the Crosshouse Hospital site. Outpatient services are provided at University Hospital Ayr, University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock and the War Memorial Hospital in Lamlash, Isle of Arran.

The Terms and Conditions of service are those determined by the New Consultant Contract (Scotland)

2004 and are offered on a 10 programmed activity basis. Applications from individuals who wish to work

fewer or more programmed activities may apply. On call will be on a 1:9 basis.

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21st April 2026.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required for this post:

Appropriately experienced candidates will hold Full GMC Registration with a current Licence to Practice. Supporting documentary evidence of your entry onto the Specialist Register/CCT date/or equivalent training experience is required.

For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the job pack

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Dr Mohan Varikkara, Clinical Director in Ophthalmology whom visiting arrangements can also be made at Mohan.varikkara@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or alternatively on (01292)610555.

RIGHT TO WORK / CERTIFICATES OF SPONSORSHIP

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• For help to complete an application on NHS Jobs Scotland, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
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• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
• Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your NHS Jobs Scotland account profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.