Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist – Vets for Pets, Colchester

Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist
Diplomate | Residency-Trained | Advanced Practitioner

Shape the future of referral ophthalmology in Essex
Salary: £80,000–£120,000
Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience
Full-time or part-time considered | Flexible working arrangements available
Build something exceptional.

Colchester Referral Hospital is entering an exciting new phase of growth, and we are looking for an experienced ophthalmologist to lead the next chapter of our rapidly expanding referral service. This is far more than a clinical position. It is an opportunity to shape the direction of an ambitious ophthalmology department within a modern multidisciplinary referral hospital, supported by Specialists, Advanced Practitioners and an experienced nursing team.
Whether you are an ECVO/ACVO Diplomate, Residency-trained clinician or an experienced RCVS Advanced Practitioner looking for your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Our vision
We believe the very best referral centres do more than accept referrals. Our ambition is to become the ophthalmology partner of choice for practices across Essex and East Anglia through exceptional patient care, collaboration, education and genuine support for our referring veterinary colleagues. We are building a service founded on relationships—working alongside primary care practices to improve confidence, raise clinical standards and deliver outstanding outcomes for patients and their owners. If that philosophy resonates with you, we’d love to meet you.

The opportunity
As Lead Veterinary Ophthalmologist you will have the freedom to help shape the service around your interests and expertise.
Your role will include:
• Managing a varied and growing ophthalmology referral caseload
• Medical and surgical ophthalmology
• Cataract surgery (support available)
• Working closely with colleagues across surgery, medicine, diagnostic imaging and emergency & critical care
• Mentoring junior ophthalmologists, veterinary surgeons and nurses with an interest in ophthalmology
• Developing educational events and CPD for referring practices
• Helping guide future investment in equipment and service expansion

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys building services, mentoring others and helping create a collaborative clinical culture.

Facilities
You’ll be supported by modern facilities including:
• Zeiss OPMI Visu 200 operating microscope
• Alexos 3 phacoemulsification system
• 16 Slice CT scanner
• High-quality ultrasonography
• Comprehensive ophthalmic diagnostic equipment
• Dedicated ophthalmology consulting and surgical facilities

As the department continues to grow, there will be genuine opportunity to influence future equipment purchases and the ongoing development of the service.

A truly multidisciplinary hospital
Work alongside an experienced team of Specialists and Advanced Practitioners across multiple disciplines within a collaborative referral environment. Our clinicians work together, discuss cases together and support one another—because we believe the best patient care comes from teamwork.

Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking someone who combines excellent clinical standards with enthusiasm, curiosity and a collaborative approach.
You may be:
• ECVO/ACVO Diplomate
• ECVO/ACVO Residency-trained clinician
• RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology with significant referral experience
Just as importantly, you’ll enjoy teaching, mentoring colleagues and building lasting relationships with referring veterinary practices.

What we offer
• £80,000–£130,000 salary (negotiable according to experience)
• Flexible working arrangements to suit individual circumstances
• Supportive multidisciplinary referral environment
• Growing and varied referral caseload
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of the department
• Genuine autonomy to develop and expand the service
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities

Interested?
If you’re looking for another job, this probably isn’t it.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help build one of the region’s leading veterinary ophthalmology services—and leave your mark on how referral ophthalmology is delivered—we’d love to hear from you.
Join us, and help shape the future of veterinary ophthalmology in Essex.

Enquiries, CV’s and References can be emailed to JF Nell: colchester.vetreferrals@vetsforpets.com