Job overview This is a replacement post for a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Cornea, supporting the Ophthalmology service at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, primarily based at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, with some sessions at Victoria Infirmary, Northwich. The successful candidate will lead and support the Corneal service, including outpatient clinics, laser, and theatre sessions. Applicants should have clinical training and experience equivalent to UK CCT Ophthalmology, with significant expertise in managing ophthalmic conditions and a subspecialty interest in Cornea. Additional fellowship-level training in Cornea is desirable. The post is offered as full-time, with the potential for job share depending on the successful candidate. The appointee must hold full GMC registration with a Licence to Practise and be on the Specialist Register, or within six months of achieving their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). This is one of several Ophthalmology Consultant posts currently available at Mid Cheshire Hospitals. These vacancies have arisen through natural staff movement, such as colleagues relocating closer to home, creating a natural and positive opportunity to grow our team. We are excited to welcome innovative, enthusiastic individuals who are keen to contribute to a supportive, friendly, and forward-thinking department. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to visit the department prior to interview. The proposed AAC date is 23.06.2026. Advert The successful candidate should have the ability to offer expert clinical opinion and management on a wide range of problems, both emergency and elective, within the subspecialty and general ophthalmology, at a consultant level. The successful applicant is expected to: · Provide expert medical and surgical management of patients with corneal and external eye conditions, such as keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, microbial keratitis, ocular surface inflammation, dry eye disease, etc. The successful candidate will have continuing responsibility for patients under their care and be able to autonomously manage the majority of Corneal patients presenting within the Service. · Be competent and experienced in performing full thickness and lamellar corneal transplant surgery including endothelial keratoplasty. · Able to perform other corneal surgeries such as pterygium surgery, etc. and complex cataract surgery. · Participate in general ophthalmology clinics, theatre lists and emergency eye care on a shared rota basis. · Work closely with the multidisciplinary team including optometrists, nurses, orthoptists and colleagues in neighbouring units, including referral as appropriate. Working for our organisation Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services for East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). Our services include planned and unplanned/emergency care, cardiac and critical care, child health, maternity, and intermediate care across Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford. Through our community arm, Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, we deliver extensive services in 26 medical centres and schools in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance. With 500 beds and around 5,500 staff, we are one of the area’s largest employers. Since the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust has become a key partner in Cheshire East & Cheshire West and Chester and in two provider collaboratives, aligning our strategic goals with the Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care System. As part of the national New Hospital Programme, we’re reimagining Leighton Hospital to create a new health and care neighbourhood, transforming healthcare delivery for a Healthier Future. Learn more on our Healthier Futures website. At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest. Detailed job description and main responsibilities The post is offered at 10 PA but under the terms of the 2003 Consultant Contract, candidates who wish to conduct private practice would be required to offer an additional programmed activity. There will be 8PAs for Direct Clinical Care (DCC). There will be 2 Supporting Professional Activites (SPA) per week of which 1 core SPA and 1 APA, used to work flexibly when required in line with Trust Policy. Key Messages We are a forces-friendly employers. Candidates should ensure that all submissions and interactions reflect the candidate’s own skills, experience, and understanding. Any use of AI that compromises the integrity, fairness, or authenticity of the recruitment process may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of offer, or dismissal if this these circumstances come to light post hire. Candidates that require sponsorship to work in the UK are strongly advised to check the Government website for up-to-date information about whether the role they are applying for (incl. offered salary) is eligible. Please let us know if you require an adjustment to our recruitment process and we'll be happy to discuss this with you. We actively promote flexible working so please discuss any requirements you may have with us. Secondments will be considered for fixed term positions when both parties agree. Candidates should seek approval from their current line manager before application. · All correspondence will be sent via the email address you have registered as your TRAC account. Selection is based on the Trust's values, and the criteria outlined in the Job Description for the role. · Appointments are subject to a 6-month probationary period. LED Doctors are subject to a 3-month probationary period. · You are required to pay for a DBS disclosure where the post requires one, and we encourage applicants to join and remain registered with the DBS update service. · We do not reimburse travel to interview expenses. · Some posts may have implications on existing NHS Pension Scheme arrangements. For further information please visit the NHS Pensions Agency website: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions ·