Overview
Applications are invited for one fixed-term locum consultant ophthalmology appointment in the Glaucoma service at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. We expect the successful candidate to have the opportunity to apply for a substantive position in due course. The timetable and commitment will be to provide and develop the rapid access eye care service, which will include training and support for ophthalmology trainees, clinical nurse specialists, optometrists and orthoptists, as well as support for nurse-led triaging. There will also be an opportunity to participate in other subspecialties, including surgery, depending on the candidate’s particular interests and skills.
EEMU has a busy Rapid Access department, optometric and orthoptic departments. There are two dedicated ophthalmic operating theatres at Maidstone and one dedicated theatre at the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. With a stable management team, we can continually improve services and add to the already high levels of equipment provision in our department. Friday afternoon departmental teaching for all staff is consultant-led. Research interests are supported by active links with The University of Kent at Canterbury.
Residence requirements for this post are compatible with living in the outskirts of London, or in many attractive, rural parts of Kent. Kent has selective state schooling with several excellent state grammar schools in the vicinity of Maidstone.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Responsibilities
* To provide a high standard of care to any patient for whom you have clinical responsibility, including any patients you personally care for.
* To participate in clinical and other service activities and developments to ensure a high standard of patient care.
* To take an equal share in providing subspecialty cover and covering for colleagues during the period of absence, including electronic triage of referrals.
* To take part in the support and training of junior Ophthalmologists and the development and training of medical students and ancillary allied professionals, including the development of the oculoplastic nurse specialist role.
* To participate fully in the clinical governance activities of the specialty, attend clinical governance half-days as in the job plan, undertake annual appraisal leading to revalidation, and participate in departmental audits as included in the work undertaken.
* To work in close cooperation with other medical, professional and managerial colleagues, within and outside the specialty, to provide high-quality health care to the Trust’s patients and contribute to the Trust’s strategic direction.
* To ensure compliance with the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice and the Duties of a Doctor.
Benefits
* Comprehensive benefits package on joining the Trust.
* Generous annual leave entitlement.
* Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits.
* Blue Light card eligibility.
* Additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.
Additional information
Research interests are supported by active links with The University of Kent at Canterbury. Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
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This advert closes on Monday 9 Feb 2026.
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