Job summary
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking ophthalmology team at Kettering General Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, as a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialist focus in Cornea, Anterior Segment, and high-volume Cataract surgery.
This is a unique opportunity to lead service development, shape the future of Eye Casualty, and contribute to regional specialist care pathways. You'll work within a supportive consultant team, engage in teaching and mentoring, and collaborate across disciplines and tertiary centres to deliver outstanding patient care. If you're passionate about clinical excellence, innovation, and making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The Consultant Ophthalmologist will provide high-quality, consultant-led care across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency settings, with a specialist focus on Cornea, Anterior Segment, and high-volume Cataract surgery. Responsibilities include leading outpatient clinics, performing intraocular procedures in a fully equipped ophthalmic theatre, and supporting Eye Casualty through a dedicated session.
The post holder will contribute to the two-stop cataract pathway, collaborate with the Corneal MDT group at Leicester, and participate in a 1-in-7 on-call rota covering urgent ophthalmic care across the north of the county. Additional duties include supervising junior staff, managing departmental administration, and working with other specialties to ensure comprehensive eye care.
Supporting professional activities include appraisal, CME, clinical governance, and involvement in teaching, research, and quality improvement. The consultant will access the EyeSi simulation suite for training and contribute to weekly journal clubs, regional education programmes, and annual accredited meetings. Mentoring is available for new consultants. The role also includes strategic input into service development, particularly the redesign of Eye Casualty and expansion of corneal services with Leicester and Northampton.
Strong multidisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration ensures integrated, patient-centred care and ongoing innovation.
About us
Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close adverts once we have received sufficient applications
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.
Our Excellence Values
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across UHN and help to unleash everyone's full potential.
UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for UHN.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full overview of the role, please refer to the attached job description outlining detailed responsibilities and expectations.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full overview of the role, please refer to the attached job description outlining detailed responsibilities and expectations.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Essential
- Medical degree FRCS or equivalent
- Completion of Specialty Training (CCT) or within 6 months of achieving it in relevant specialty
- Full GMC registration
Desirable
- Education / Medical Education Qualification (preferably at Masters level)
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years postgraduate experience, including higher surgical training. Part of this period may be in a post equivalent with responsibility and training potential
- At least 3 years' experience higher surgical training in approved ophthalmology post
- Extensive experience in management of ophthalmology conditions
- Proven involvement in clinical audit Proven track record of ophthalmology research with evidence of publications
Desirable
- Special interest that complements the Department
- Commitment to clinical risk management and clinical governance
Skills
Essential
- Good written and verbal communication skills. Evidence of the ability to communicate with patients, colleagues and staff at all levels
- Ability to teach effectively to all levels of staff
- Ability to motivate and develop junior medical staff
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Ability to plan, implement and evaluate research. Participate in and implement audits. Be actively involved with Risk Management strategies
- Flexible approach, able to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and patients
- Enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate across UHN to improve patient outcomes for all
Desirable
- The appointee will be expected to drive and provide own transport and live within reasonable travelling distance of Kettering General Hospital for on-call commitments
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
Essential
- Medical degree FRCS or equivalent
- Completion of Specialty Training (CCT) or within 6 months of achieving it in relevant specialty
- Full GMC registration
Desirable
- Education / Medical Education Qualification (preferably at Masters level)
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years postgraduate experience, including higher surgical training. Part of this period may be in a post equivalent with responsibility and training potential
- At least 3 years' experience higher surgical training in approved ophthalmology post
- Extensive experience in management of ophthalmology conditions
- Proven involvement in clinical audit Proven track record of ophthalmology research with evidence of publications
Desirable
- Special interest that complements the Department
- Commitment to clinical risk management and clinical governance
Skills
Essential
- Good written and verbal communication skills. Evidence of the ability to communicate with patients, colleagues and staff at all levels
- Ability to teach effectively to all levels of staff
- Ability to motivate and develop junior medical staff
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
- Ability to plan, implement and evaluate research. Participate in and implement audits. Be actively involved with Risk Management strategies
- Flexible approach, able to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to gain the trust and confidence of colleagues and patients
- Enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate across UHN to improve patient outcomes for all
Desirable
- The appointee will be expected to drive and provide own transport and live within reasonable travelling distance of Kettering General Hospital for on-call commitments
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
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