Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist – Cataract Specialist

NHS; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Carlisle is seeking a Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist to support a team covering North Cumbria. This role involves providing modern eye care and requires high clinical skills and GMC registration. Candidates should ideally have experience in cataract procedures. The position offers a salary of £109,725 to £145,478 per year, pro rata, and various benefits including NHS pension and flexible working options.

Benefits

27-day holiday rising to 33 after 10 years

Flexible working

NHS discounts

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Must have current UK professional registration.
• High-volume cataract experience is desirable.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and participation in peer review.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative ophthalmic practice.
• Bridge acute hospital care with community and primary care.
• Provide expert clinical opinion on a range of ophthalmic problems.

Skills

High standard of clinical skill in ophthalmology

Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on ophthalmic problems

Ability to liaise independently with clinical staff

Desirable: high-volume cataract experience

Empathetic, approachable team member

Education

FRCOphth or equivalent

Full GMC Registration

Inclusion on the Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology

Certificate of Completion of Training

Job description

Overview

Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist - Cataract Specialist to support a team of specialists covering North Cumbria. The role involves developing innovative ophthalmic practice and bridging acute hospital care, community and primary care to deliver a safe and effective modern eye care system. The successful candidate will join a team of consultant ophthalmologists with specialist interests providing general ophthalmic services across North Cumbria for a population of approximately 360,000, with some referrals from parts of South West Scotland and West Northumbria.

About us

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is focused on delivering outstanding hospital and health services to half a million people. Established on 1 October 2019, the Trust aims to create a centre of excellence in rural and remote healthcare, providing a wide range of community and acute services across north Cumbria and beyond. We employ more than 6,500 staff and deliver over 70 services across 15 locations. Our five key principles are: clinically led organisation; quality and safety at the heart; a positive patient experience every time; a great place to work; managing our money well. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and compassionate workplace.

• Being a clinically led organisation
• Quality and safety at the heart
• A positive patient experience every time
• A great place to work
• Managing our money well

NCIC supports a diverse workforce reflecting the local community.

Details

Date posted: 07 October 2025

Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade: Consultant

Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per year, pro rata

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 262-A-25-7476971

Job locations: Cumberland Infirmary, Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7HY

Job responsibilities

Please document evidence of meeting all essential criteria in the supporting information. If sufficient response is received, the post could close earlier than the closing date.

Important information

shortlisted candidates will be invited via email to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time, usually within two weeks of the closing date. For candidates using Hotmail or with strict firewall settings, please ensure junk mail is checked regularly.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and recruitment checks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and requires Disclosure to be made to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions. The cost of the DBS is met by the successful candidate through salary deduction. DBS charges (where applicable) are:

• Standard Check: £27.40 (£21.50 + £5.90 admin)
• Enhanced Check: £55.40 (£49.50 + £5.90 admin)

The Trust offers several benefits including lease car where applicable, 27-day holiday rising to 33 after 10 years, flexible working, development opportunities, NHS pension, NHS discounts, and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). These schemes are subject to availability.

Disclosures and sponsorship

Certificate of Sponsorship information is included; applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• FRCOphth or equivalent
• Full GMC Registration
• Inclusion on the Specialist Registrar in Ophthalmology (or within six months of inclusion on GMC specialist register)
• Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or within six months of award of CCT or equivalent by date of interview

Experience, knowledge and skills

• High standard of clinical skill in ophthalmology; clinical governance
• Ability to offer expert clinical opinion on a range of ophthalmic problems (emergency, elective, primary care)
• Ability to liaise independently with clinical staff for patient care
• Desirable: high-volume cataract experience

Management, teaching, research and communication

• Ability to advise on efficient subspecialty service delivery; ability to cover on call
• Experience of audit management; teaching and supervision of undergraduates/postgraduates
• Commitment to lifelong learning; participation in peer review
• Empathetic, approachable team member with good interpersonal skills

Exercise of duties and other information

DBS checks may be required. Candidates should refer to the UK Visas and Immigration guidance if sponsorship is needed. UK registration and eligibility to work in the UK are required.