Job summary
We welcome applications for Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology. An interest in development in Neuro-ophthalmology/ Medical Retina and Uveitis is desirable. The post holder will have an opportunity to participate in tertiary level care in these areas, participate in MDT and gain specialised experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ophthalmologist who is looking to develop their clinical skills, broaden their experience across ophthalmology and take the next step towards greater clinical autonomy.

LTHTR extremely values its Specialty Doctors and in a first of its kind in the UK, we have agreed and committed ourselves to provide all Specialty Doctors joining the Trust, and those already working with us, a personal career progression pathway with support to become autonomous practitioners if they aspire to do so.

The role involves provision of outpatient clinics across a range of subspecialties, independent laser lists and day case operating.

The Specialty Doctor participates in the middle grade on-call rota at the Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble District General Hospital on a cross cover basis.

Main duties of the job

• Provide direct input to patients; contribute to multidisciplinary teams and co-ordinate care for patients and assume continuous commitment for care of patients/promote high professional standards of clinical care for patients.
• Undertake comprehensive ophthalmic assessment of patients presenting to outpatient services and take relevant clinical histories, perform appropriate ophthalmic examinations and formulate differential diagnoses.
• Develop and implement appropriate investigation and management plans and manage patients with a range of ophthalmic conditions within the post holder's level of competence and experience.
• Recognise patients requiring consultant or specialist input and appropriately escalate care.
• Provide continuity of care for patients where clinically appropriate.
• Review/interpret relevant diagnostic investigations, including visual fields, OCT, fundus imaging, biometry and other ophthalmic investigations relevant to the clinical area.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up plans and provide appropriate advice to patients and relatives regarding diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and follow-up and obtain appropriate consent for procedures and treatment in accordance with Trust policy.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure safe and effective patient pathways and contribute to the management of urgent and complex ophthalmic presentations within the post holder's competence.

About us
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTR) is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology to join our dynamic and expanding service.

At LTHTR, we recognise and highly value the important contribution that Specialty Doctors make to our clinical services. We are committed to supporting our Specialty Doctors to develop their careers and achieve their professional aspirations.

In a first-of-its-kind approach in the UK, LTHTR has committed to providing all Specialty Doctors joining the Trust, as well as those already working within the organisation, with an individual career progression pathway. This means that your career development is not simply an expectation of the role; it is something that we actively support and plan with you.

The Ophthalmology department at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is a dynamic, progressive service which is based across 2 sites (Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District Hospital). Our primary location is the newly opened Lancashire Eye Centre situated in Chorley District Hospital. The Centre was funded through an £18 million investment and comprises a 3 storey build with modern, state of the art outpatient and day case facilities on one site. There are over 20 consult rooms in outpatients and 3 modern spacious theatres. The unit is equipped with modern diagnostic facilities and infrastructure to provide high-quality care.

Essential qualifications

• Full GMC Registration and Licence to Practice
• MBBS or equivalent
• Have at least 4 years' full-time Postgraduate training (or its equivalent gained on a part-time or flexible basis) at least 2 of which will be in a Specialty Training programme or as a Fixed Term Specialty Trainee in Ophthalmology

Desirable qualifications

• Hold a higher diploma e.g. MRCOphth, MRCSEd.
• Hold ALS certification
• Have some training in teaching methods

Essential experience and skills

• Have equivalent experience and competencies, in relation to qualifications

Desirable experience and skills

• Surgical experience, supervised or unsupervised
• Laser clinic experience

Essential research and development

• Evidence of interest in personal development e.g. through research and/or publications

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.

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.

UK registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Contact
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical Director Shveta Bansal 07818061751

Closing date: 30 October 2026
Reference number: 438-MS3307
Working pattern: Full-time
Contract: Permanent

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