Job Overview

The provision of specialist ophthalmology services has led to a consistently increasing backlog of routine cases within the outpatient Patient Tracking List (PTL). The majority of these patients are referred for the management of cataracts.

In order to meet this demand, and to ensure that current specialist provision is maintained, a fixed-term appointment is being established to deliver a dedicated cataract service.

This post will support the development of a dedicated, high-volume cataract pathway, aligned with recognised national best practice including GIRFT and Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidance. The service is intended to improve access to routine cataract surgery while enabling existing consultant capacity to remain focused on urgent, complex and subspecialty care.

The successful applicant will be a well-trained Ophthalmic Surgeon with proven experience in delivering a high-volume cataract service.

The post holder will support delivery of a standardised cataract pathway that facilitates timely assessment and progression to surgery.

The appointee will have admitting rights to the Private Wing and is encouraged to treat private patients. Access to private operating theatre time will be available in addition to dedicated public operating lists. 

For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Simon Chapman - Cheif of Service - S.Chapman@health.gov.je

For a full copy of the Job Description - please contact Aoife O'Hare - a.ohare@gov.je

Service Model - Cataract Delivery

The post holder will play a pivotal role in delivering a high-volume cataract surgery model, consistent with national guidance.

Theatre Delivery

The post holder will:

• Provide cataract surgery under surgeon-delivered local (topical) anaesthesia

• Contribute to a structured theatre model that supports effective patient flow and efficient use of theatre time

Operating Model

The post holder will work within a streamlined theatre pathway, including: 

• Standardised preparation of patients prior to admission

• Effective scheduling and flow of patients throughout the theatre session

• Consistent approaches to turnaround between cases

• Full utilisation of allocated theatre time and sessions

These processes are designed to support safe and efficient delivery of higher-volume cataract surgery.

Activity Levels

The role is expected to support delivery of cataract surgery in line with recognised national benchmarks, typically:

• 8 patients per 4-hour operating list (high-volume any complexity)

• Up to 10 patients per list for lower complexity cohorts, where clinically appropriate

This approach reflects established national models designed to improve access to cataract surgery and reduce waiting times. 

Duties

The principal duty of the post holder will be the provision of a high-quality cataract management service.

The post holder will deliver care within a ring-fenced cataract pathway, including:

• Delivery of cataract surgery on dedicated operating lists focused on routine cataract care

• Working within a standardised patient pathway, including pre-assessed and risk-stratified patients

• Supporting the development and use of one-stop pre-operative assessment models, enabling efficient assessment, investigation and surgical decision-making

The post holder will be expected to participate in:

• Clinical audit

• Governance processes

• Ongoing development of patient pathways and PROMs feedback 

Clinical Responsibilities

The Department of Ophthalmology is the sole provider of publicly funded eye care to the population of Jersey and visitors to the Island. The department is a dedicated, self-contained unit within the main body of the Outpatient Department.

The post holder will:

• Deliver high-quality cataract surgery with outcomes aligned to national standards

• Undertake procedures using local anaesthetic techniques appropriate to patient need

• Apply recognised risk stratification approaches to support appropriate patient selection

• Contribute to clinical governance, audit and continuous improvement 

This post provides an opportunity to support the ongoing development and refinement of cataract pathways, including:

• Contributing to pathway standardisation

• Supporting consistent approaches to patient assessment and preparation

• Working collaboratively with colleagues, nursing and operational teams