Locum Ophthalmology Consultant

Job Overview

The Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist provides senior‑level specialist care across outpatient clinics, emergency eye services, wards, and theatre, covering a full spectrum of medical and surgical ophthalmology. The role involves leading the ophthalmology service, supervising registrars, SHOs, and allied eye‑care professionals, and ensuring safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred eye care. This position is suited to experienced ophthalmologists seeking flexible locum work in a busy hospital or specialist eye‑care setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead consultant‑level assessment and management of patients with acute and chronic eye conditions, including emergencies, trauma, retinal disease, glaucoma, cataract, and medical retina presentations.
• Conduct and supervise outpatient clinics, emergency eye‑department reviews, and pre‑operative assessments.
• Perform (or supervise) elective and emergency ophthalmic surgery, including cataract, glaucoma, retina, and other subspecialty procedures as appropriate.
• Supervise and mentor registrars, SHOs, nurses, orthoptists, and allied staff within the ophthalmology service.
• Participate in ward rounds, clinic‑based reviews, and multidisciplinary eye‑care meetings.
• Ensure timely investigation review (OCT, visual fields, imaging, blood work) and appropriate follow‑up.
• Escalate urgent or sight‑threatening conditions promptly and coordinate care with other specialties.
• Maintain accurate documentation, clinic letters, operative notes, and discharge summaries in line with HSE and hospital standards.
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, teaching, and service development in ophthalmology.

Requirements

• Medical degree recognised by the Irish Medical Council.
• Full specialist registration in Ophthalmology on the Specialist Division of the IMC register, or equivalent with eligibility to obtain it.
• Consultant‑level experience in ophthalmology, including medical and surgical practice.
• Demonstrated experience in outpatient clinics, emergency eye care, and theatre‑based ophthalmic surgery.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland (e.g., Irish/UK/EU passport or appropriate visa/permit).
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and continuous professional development.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced clinical judgment and decision‑making in complex ophthalmic cases.
• Leadership and team‑management experience in an ophthalmology department.
• Confidence managing emergency and sight‑threatening eye presentations.
• Excellent communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Flexibility to work variable rota patterns and ad‑hoc or urgent cover as required.

Working Conditions

• Consultant‑level rota that may include day, evening, and clinic‑only or theatre‑focused sessions, depending on the hospital.
• Busy ophthalmology service with exposure to emergency eye, outpatients, and operating theatre.
• Part‑time or full‑time ad‑hoc contracts, often aligned with HSE Public‑Only Consultant 2023 (POCC23) pro‑rata structures.

Remuneration and Benefits

• Competitive locum consultant rates, typically aligned with or above HSE consultant salary scales (pro‑rated to hours worked).
• Flexible working arrangements and short‑ to medium‑term contracts.
• Opportunities in major teaching and specialist eye hospitals in Ireland.