Consultant Ophthalmologist with S/I in Paediatrics & Adult Strabismus in Ormskirk

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus to join our expanding service across Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals. This is a new consultant post replacing an established Associate Specialist to continue the delivery of a high-performing, patient-centred department.

This opportunity offers the successful candidate a chance to develop a thriving paediatric practice, including ROP screening, alongside delivering adult strabismus and general ophthalmology care, with the option to undertake adult cataract surgery. The successful candidate will be required to join the Trust's general on-call service.

Main duties of the job:

• Deliver high-quality consultant-led care in:
• Paediatric Ophthalmology - including ROP screening, paediatric clinics and surgery
• Adult Strabismus
• General Ophthalmology
• Adult Cataract Surgery (optional)
• Participation in the 1:4 consultant on-call rota (non-resident; 5pm-9pm weekdays, 9am-9pm weekends).

The job plan comprises 10 PAs, including theatre, clinics, ROP activity, SPA time and supporting activities. Final job plan will be agreed with the Clinical Director upon appointment.

You will contribute to national clinical standards, CG, audit, teaching, and supervision of junior staff, with opportunities to participate in research and regional teaching programmes. You will provide consultant leadership and oversight to the orthoptic service within the S&O footprint.

Person Specification:

• Values: We are kind, we are open, we are inclusive.
• Qualifications: MB ChB or evidence of equivalent qualification, Full and specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), and licenced to practice, Entered on the Specialist Register (or eligible for registration within six months of interview), FRCOphth or equivalent, CCT in Ophthalmology, Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in all aspects of general Ophthalmology, Competent in Surgical and Medical Paediatric ophthalmology and ROP Screening, Competent in adult cataract surgery including training Juniors, Able to take responsibility for delivering Paediatric ophthalmology service without direct supervision.
• Knowledge: Knowledge and experience of Ophthalmology, Broad range of IT skills, Knowledge of evidence-based practice, Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies, Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation, Participation in continuing professional development (CPD) scheme and, where relevant, evidence of participation, Interest in teaching medical, nursing, and other groups of staff, Experience of supervising trainee doctors, clinically and surgically, Experience of teaching clinical skills to undergraduate medical students, Experience of clinical or lab-based research with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with clinical colleagues, colleagues in Ophthalmology, other specialties and support staff, Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English, Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods and to respond to questions, Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-disciplinary basis with all levels of staff, Ability to be a flexible team member, Ability to cope with and effectively organize the workload of a consultant, Ability to practise independently as a consultant, Ability to take responsibility and show evidence of leadership, Ability to help manage and lead the department balancing departmental and personal objectives, Ability to demonstrate a commitment to work within Trust policies as guided by the Clinical Director, Have a commitment to CME / CPD.