Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with specialist interest in Paediatrics

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS trust is seeking an innovative consultant to join their team in Watford. This substantive post focuses on paediatric and surgical expertise, offering support and a dynamic work environment. Candidates with FRCOphth and GMC registration are encouraged to apply. Join a welcoming team to provide excellent patient care while contributing to ongoing hospital developments.

Benefits

Shared office space

Secretarial support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• FRCOphth or equivalent required.
• Full GMC Registration is essential.
• Must be on the GMC Specialist Register (CCT or CESR).

Responsibilities

• Provide expert clinical opinions on ophthalmic problems.
• Run operating lists independently and teach cataract surgery.
• Take full responsibility for patient clinical care.

Skills

Expert clinical opinions on ophthalmic problems

Independent operating lists and teaching cataract surgery

Full responsibility for patient care

Prioritizing clinical needs

Supervising multi-disciplinary teams

Familiarity with NHS structures

Leading clinical teams

Effective specialist clinical service

Education

MBBS or Basic Medical Degree

FRCOphth or equivalent

Full GMC Registration

Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or CESR

Job description

We are seeking to recruit an innovative, dynamic consultant to join our team. This would be an excellent opportunity for Higher Trainees who have completed their training or an established consultant seeking a career change. This is a substantive 10 PA post, with a specialist interest in paediatrics and surgical experience required.. Surgical and non-surgical candidates are welcome to apply.

Shared office space and secretarial support will be provided for the period of the post.

Successful appointee will join the Head & Neck directorate of ENT, Oral Surgery & Ophthalmology. You will be joining a friendly and welcoming team of 6 consultants and a wider multi-disciplinary team of 30 clinical staff. Services are delivered across all West Herts sites including Watford General and St Albans City Hospitals.

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.

Main duties of the job

This is an appointment by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (WHTH). The post involves cross-site working, with opportunities to join the wider team for educational and training purposes.

The indicative job plan is in the job description attached.

Job plans may be reviewed as service needs alter. The Trust has long day working and may consider weekend working in the future.

• Ability to offer expert clinical opinions on a range of ophthalmic problems, both emergency and elective.
• Independent running of operating lists and teaching cataract surgery.
• Ability to take full and independent responsibility for the clinical care of patients.
• Ability to prioritize clinical needs.
• Ability to supervise multi-disciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work according to guidelines and group decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of NHS structures, management, and current political issues, including awareness of national strategic plans and constraints.
• Ability to demonstrate a willingness to lead clinical teams.
• Effective specialist clinical service.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imaging models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly. https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking/

We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [e-mail]

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick Member of the Armed Forces Community on the application form.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Prospective candidates will need to meet the following essential criteria:

- FRCOphth or equivalent

- Full GMC Registration

- Entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register via one of the following:

Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) (The proposed CCT date must be within 6 months of the interview)

Certificate of Eligibility for specialist Registration (CESR)

Please note, successful applicants will need to be available for interview on Weds 12th November 2025.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• MBBS or Basic Medical Degree
• FRCOphth or equivalent
• Full GMC Registration
• Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) (CESR)

Desirable

• MD/MS
• Speciality-specific exams

360-B-1102