About this role
Job summary
Applications are invited for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with asub-specialty in Paediatric Ophthalmology at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. You will join a team of 11 Consultant Ophthalmologists based at Leighton Hospital in Crewe. This a replacement post. You will be required to participate both in General Ophthalmology and have a complimentary sub-specialty interest in Paediatrics.
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).
The post is offered based at 6.5 Programmed Activities per week, however the Trust would welcome discussion with individuals looking for a more flexible working pattern to support a different work life balance. These types of arrangements are already supported within the department for some of the team.
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 post will be based at Leighton Hospital and involves clinics at Victoria infirmary in Northwich. You will join a team of Consultants providing comprehensive Ophthalmic services to the local population. Current sub-specialty expertise includes Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Oculoplastics, Anterior segment and Paediatric Ophthalmology. The on-call commitment is anticipated to be 1 in 10.
You will also be required to participate fully in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and will be expected to promote Clinical Governance within the department.
The department is well supported by nine Specialty Doctors. There are currently three trainees of varying levels and experience on rotation from HEENW, new rotations of trainee doctors join every six months. These trainees require close clinical supervision from the Consultants who are actively involved in their training and development, both in clinic and in theatre.
The department is also supported by two Ophthalmic Advanced Nurse Practitioners, nine Ophthalmic Technicians, two Ophthalmic Photographers and comprehensive Orthoptic and Optometry departments. We have a large nursing team comprising of thirteen qualified nurses, and eighteen Health Care Assistants, as well as three members of the Ophthalmic triage team supporting our casualty referral service.
About us
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 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 ourHealthier Futures website.
At Mid Cheshire, 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 description Job responsibilities
There will be a minimum 5 PAs for Direct Clinical Care (DCC).
There will be 1.25 Supporting Professional Activites (SPA) per week.
Further information can be found in the attached job description.
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
Desirable
PhD, MD or other high degree
Experience Essential
Clinical training and breadth of experience equivalent to that required for training UK CCT Ophthalmology Extensive experience in management of ophthalmology conditions with a subspeciality interest and training in Paediatric Ophthalmology, eg. ASTO / TSC training. 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. This includes the surgical management of paediatric strabismus patients and leading the Retinopathy of Prematurity screening service Ability to take full and independent responsibility for the clinical care of patients.
Desirable
Recognised fellowship training in Paediatric Ophthalmology. Experience and expertise in the management of adult oculo-motility disorders including running outpatient clinics and undertaking surgical intervention.
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
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
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
Desirable
Evidence to allow accreditation as a Consultant Educational Supervisor for trainee doctors with the GMC
Other Essential
Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels and with patients Commitment to clinical risk management and clinical governance Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels and with patients Able to establish good working relationships with other members of the MDT. Flexible and adaptable to competing demands Commitment to modern practices. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Leighton Hospital
Middlewich Road
Crewe
CW1 4QJ
Employer's website https://www.mcht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)