Visa and Relocation Information
This position includes a Certificate of Sponsorship, making it an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals seeking to relocate to the UK. As a Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in Vitreoretinal surgery, you’ll be joining the National Health Service (NHS), one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.
Before applying, please verify your eligibility with the employer directly. Immigration policies can change, and while sponsorship is offered, meeting specific requirements is essential. The UK has particular criteria for medical professionals, including language proficiency and qualifications recognition.
Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their qualifications are equivalent to UK standards and meet the General Medical Council (GMC) registration requirements. The employer can provide guidance on this process during the application stage.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Consultant Ophthalmologist – Vitreo Retinal Surgeon to complete a supportive team of specialists covering North Cumbria. This picturesque region, voted one of the best places to live in the UK, offers an exceptional quality of life with the stunning Lake District nearby. The area provides good road, rail, and air communications, with relatively inexpensive housing and excellent educational establishments.
The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of consultant ophthalmologists providing specialized services to approximately 360,000 people, with some referrals also coming from parts of South West Scotland and West Northumbria. This represents an exciting opportunity to develop innovative ophthalmic practices and help bridge the gap between acute hospital care, community services, and primary care.
Main Duties of the Job
The post offers an exciting opportunity for an ophthalmologist to help develop a ‘whole system’ approach to delivering safe and effective modern eye care. You will be responsible for providing expert clinical opinions on a range of ophthalmology problems, both emergency and elective, as well as contributing to primary care services.
Key responsibilities include taking full and independent responsibility for liaising with clinical staff regarding patient care, participating in on-call and emergency cover, and advising on the efficient and smooth running of the vitreoretinal subspecialty service.
You will also be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff, teaching clinical and personal skills required for ophthalmic care, and participating in medical audit and appropriate peer review processes.
About the Employer
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is established with an ambition to deliver outstanding hospital and health services to half a million people. Created on 1st October 2019, the Trust is developing a center of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare throughout North Cumbria and beyond.
The Trust delivers over 70 services across 15 main locations and employs more than 6,500 members of staff. Our five key principles reflect our commitment to ‘safe, high quality care every time’: being clinically led, placing quality and safety at the heart, ensuring positive patient experiences, creating a great place to work, and managing resources effectively.
As an organization, we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work. We value international professionals and the unique perspectives they bring to our teams.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential: FRCOphth or equivalent, Full GMC registration, Holder of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or within six months of award of CCT or equivalent by date of interview, Inclusion on the Specialist Register in Ophthalmology (or within six months of inclusion on GMC specialist register).
Desirable: Post CCT fellowship in applicable sub-specialty.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential: High standard of clinical skill and expertise in clinical Ophthalmology, understanding of Clinical Governance, ability to offer expert clinical opinions on range of clinical Ophthalmology problems both emergency and elective and in primary care, ability to take full and independent responsibility for liaising with clinical staff for the clinical care of patients.
Desirable: Experience in High Volume Cataract surgery.
Management and Administrative
Essential: Ability to advise on efficient and smooth running of their chosen subspecialty service, ability to cover on call.
Desirable: Experience of audit management.
Teaching
Essential: Experience of and commitment to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical staff, ability to teach clinical and personal skills required for Ophthalmic care.
Desirable: Experience of teaching basic clinical skills to undergraduates, teaching of non-medical health professionals, Educational Qualification.
Research, Audit and Clinical Governance
Essential: Experience of, and commitment to, medical audit.
Desirable: Ability to supervise postgraduate research, publications in referred journals.
Communication Skills and Abilities
Essential: Empathetic and sensitive approach to patient needs, approachable and effective multi-disciplinary team member with excellent interpersonal skills, team loyalty, positive approach to lessons learnt, confident approach without being arrogant.
Desirable: IT Skills / Presentation Skills.
Continued Professional / Personal Development
Essential: Demonstrable evidence of lifelong learning, reflective approach to personal development with an ability to acknowledge and effectively manage poor performance, participation in appropriate peer review processes.
Personal Attributes
Essential: Participation in on call and emergency cover.
Desirable: Full UK driving licence.
Benefits and Support
As one of the largest employers in the UK, NCIC offers comprehensive benefits to all employees. These include a competitive NHS Pension scheme, access to NHS discounts with retailers and leisure companies, and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential counselling and information services to assist with personal or work-related problems.
We recognize the challenges of relocating to a new country and are committed to supporting international staff. The Trust may offer relocation assistance for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Additionally, a lease car may be available for this position, with further details provided upon appointment if applicable.
Our flexible working scheme allows for a better work-life balance, and we provide excellent opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can continue to grow in your career while contributing to our healthcare services.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions. The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:
Standard Check: £18 + Administration cost of £3.85 = £21.85. Deducted at £6.85 from 1st month salary and £5 deducted from salary over following 3 months.
Enhanced Check: £38 + administration cost of £3.90 = £41.90. Deducted at £11.90 from 1st month salary and £10 deducted from salary over following 3 months.
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, please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have been required 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.
Please note that due to changes implemented by the UK Government to immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility before completing an application.
UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website working with overseas health professionals page. The Trust will provide support with the registration process for successful candidates who require it.
If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and meet all the essential criteria for this post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 262-A-25-7532698
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Complete the online application form, ensuring you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information
- Upload your CV and any other required documents
- Submit your application before the closing date of 07 January 2026
For international applicants specifically, we recommend:
- Verifying your visa eligibility with the employer before applying
- Preparing evidence of English language proficiency if required
- Researching UK living costs and accommodation options in Carlisle
- Considering the support available for relocating healthcare professionals
>Gathering documentation of your qualifications and professional experience
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact:
Lucy Jackson
Deputy Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01228814091
The employer welcomes inquiries from international candidates and can provide additional information about the relocation process, working in the UK NHS, and the specific requirements for this position.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting document is available for download:
- Vitreo-Retinal Consultant.pdf (PDF, 488 KB) – Contains detailed information about the role, responsibilities, and person specification
We recommend downloading and reviewing this document carefully before completing your application.
Privacy Notice
Please be aware that your personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For detailed information about how North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust processes your personal data, please refer to their privacy notice available on their website.
The Trust is committed to protecting your privacy and will only use your data for the purpose of recruitment and employment. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.
Important Dates
Date Posted: 10 December 2025
Closing Date: 07 January 2026
Interview Period: Shortlisted candidates will be notified within 2 weeks of the closing date to select an interview time via their Trac account.
Please note that if sufficient response is received, this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date. We recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Equal Opportunities
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
All applications will be treated on merit, and reasonable adjustments will be made for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations, please contact the recruitment team at the earliest opportunity.
