Job overview
We have an opportunity for a fixed term locum Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon to join our recently expanded ophthalmology department. We are looking for the right person to join the busy Vitreoretinal service as an equal partner.
The VR service was established in 2019 to fill a great unmet need. Since then, the service has rapidly expanded and continues to do so. During the last 12 months over 600 VR procedures were performed and this continues to grow.
To provide expert clinical care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, including advanced diagnostic assessment, laser treatment, intravitreal therapies, and vitreoretinal surgery. The consultant is responsible for delivering high-quality patient care, leading multidisciplinary teams, contributing to service development, and participating in teaching, research, and clinical governance activities
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
- Work alongside our current Vitreoretinal Surgeons in delivering tertiary level care of thehighest clinical standard
- Share responsibility for managing all VR emergencies
- Supervise, educate and support doctors in training and allied healthcare professionals
- Help to develop and lead the subspecialty service, ensuring robust pathways are in place for a high quality, modern, patient experience
- Specifically adopt, in conjunction with colleagues, an active role in the planning development and delivery of the Ophthalmology service for the directorate
- Provide direct input to patients; contribute to multidisciplinary teams and lead the co-ordination of care for patients within Preston and Chorley hospitals
- Promote high professional standards of clinical care for patients, both through direct patient care and by the maintenance of continuing professional development
- Assume a continuous commitment for the care of patients, even if employed less than full-time and ensure that adequate arrangements are made for leave and off duty periods
- Develop close links with General Practitioners operating in the area
- Exercise the freedom to develop specialist elements of the services to reflect perceived priorities within available resources.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job description, Person specification and Specialty/ Trust Brochure for further details on:
- What we can offer
- Job Plan/On-call Requirements
- The Team
Person specification
Health
Essential
- Meets professional health requirements in line with GMC Standards/ Good Medical Practice
Personal
Essential
- Excellent effective communication and counselling skills (with examples).
- Good organisational skills (with examples)
- Works well within a multidisciplinary environment
- Reside approximately 30 minutes travel to Chorley/Preston.
Management
Essential
- Evidence of Clinical Leadership and team management
- Evidence of commitment to audit and improving clinical practice/service developmen
- Decision-making under pressure
- Teaching and mentoring abilities.
Desirable
- Experience of leadership and management
Qualifications
Essential
- Full GMC Registration and Licence to Practice
- MBBS, MBChB, MD, or equivalent
- FRCOPhth or equivalent
- Must be entered on the Specialist Register (or entry within 6 months)
Desirable
- Higher Medical Degree MD, MSc, ChM, PhD
- Management course/ certification
Experience and Skills
Essential
- Sub-speciality training and experience in vitreoretinal surgery
- Completion of specialist ophthalmology training
- Advanced retinal diagnostic expertise
- High-volume vitreoretinal surgical capability
- Proficiency in OCT, fundus imaging, fluorescein angiography, and ocular ultrasonograph
- Management of complex ophthalmic emergencies
- Trained Clinical Supervisor
Desirable
- Trained Educational Supervisor
- Subspecialty Fellowship
Research and Development
Essential
- Evidence of interest in personal development e.g. through research and/or publications
Desirable
- Evidence of peer reviewed publications and clinical trial involvement
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Preston, North West, England. It is listed as a Consultant Medical doctor Ophthalmology role. The advertised salary is £113,565 - £150,569 Per annum. The contract type is Locum: 12 months (subject to renewal). The application deadline is 10 Aug 2026.
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