Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology with specific interest and experience in Vitreoretinal (VR) surgery to join our forward-thinking Ophthalmology Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dynamic, friendly, and supportive team delivering high-quality eye care services.
The successful candidate will work closely with our Consultant VR surgeons and wider multi-disciplinary team to support delivery of elective and emergency VR services, including participation in theatre lists, specialist clinics, and on-call cover (if applicable)
Main duties of the job
- Provide high-quality clinical care to VR patients in outpatient clinics, emergency settings, and theatre.
- Perform and assist in vitreoretinal surgical procedures under consultant supervision as appropriate to the successful candidate's level of competence.
- Contribute to the management of pre- and post-operative VR patients.
- Participate in departmental teaching, audit, research, and clinical governance activities.
- Contribute to the ophthalmology on-call rota .
- Work effectively as part of a multi-professional team to support safe, compassionate, and patient-centred care.
About us
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
Our services:
Acute Care
Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.
Primary Care
Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.
Community Services
Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.
Specialist Regional Services
We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.
Achievements:
- Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Advertising Date: 30th March 2026
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 14th April 2026
Proposed Interview date: 22nd April 2026
Please note this vacancy may close early if a high number of applications is reached.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached.
Advertising Date: 30th March 2026
Closing Date: 12th April 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 14th April 2026
Proposed Interview date: 22nd April 2026
Please note this vacancy may close early if a high number of applications is reached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Applicants must hold full registration with the GMC at the time of application
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualifications
Desirable
- FRCOphth or equivalent qualification
Knowledge
Essential
- A minimum of two years' experience of a broad range of specialities
- A minimum of two years' experience in Ophthalmology as a speciality trainee or has equivalent competencies
- Understanding of Research Concepts
- Demonstrable competence in Phaco-emulsification surgery, supported by evidence such as the intercollegiate surgical logbook
- Experience of working in the NHS or equivalent healthcare system
Desirable
- Wide range of experience of Ophthalmology able to demonstrate knowledge, skill and experience
- Experience of audit management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and other Healthcare professionals
Desirable
- Able to teach clinical skills
Other
Essential
- Ability to work in a team
- Commitment to continuing medical education
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Applicants must hold full registration with the GMC at the time of application
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualifications
Desirable
- FRCOphth or equivalent qualification
Knowledge
Essential
- A minimum of two years' experience of a broad range of specialities
- A minimum of two years' experience in Ophthalmology as a speciality trainee or has equivalent competencies
- Understanding of Research Concepts
- Demonstrable competence in Phaco-emulsification surgery, supported by evidence such as the intercollegiate surgical logbook
- Experience of working in the NHS or equivalent healthcare system
Desirable
- Wide range of experience of Ophthalmology able to demonstrate knowledge, skill and experience
- Experience of audit management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and other Healthcare professionals
Desirable
- Able to teach clinical skills
Other
Essential
- Ability to work in a team
- Commitment to continuing medical education
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).
