North West School of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology HomeCheshire and MerseysideGreater Manchester and Lancashire
ARCPOphthalmology Resident DoctorsSupported Return to Training
Welcome to the North West School of Ophthalmology
The ophthalmology programme offered by NHS England – North West will give you an unparalleled exposure to the full range of ophthalmic disease and its management.
In addition to your clinical and educational supervisors, you will also have the support of a trainee mentor to help you through the early stages of training. You may also have the opportunity to be involved in international ophthalmology training initiatives.
Ophthalmology training in NHS England - North West is divided between two sectors and each have their own Training Programme Director. Please select one of the following for further information on each sector:
August 2024 - New curriculum and e-portfolio
Ophthalmology move to a new curriculum and e-portoflio from August 2024.
For further information about the transfer ot the new curriculum and e-portfolio - please visit the RCOphth website:
Key Contacts
Dr Fiona Clarke,
Associate Dean for Ophthalmology
Based at NHS England's Liverpool Office, Regatta Place
Email: fiona.clarke34@nhs.net
Ms Natasha Spiteri,
Ophthalmology Training Programme Director for Cheshire and Merseyside from 1 Feb 2025
Email: n.spiteri@nhs.net
Mr Ken Yau,
Ophthalmology Training Programme Director for Greater Manchester and Lancashire
Email: kenneth.yau@mft.nhs.uk
Miss Fidan Jmor,
Ophthalmology Training Programme Director for Exam Support
Based at Royal Liverpool University Hospital
SuppoRTT Champion
SuppoRTT (Supported Return To Training) is a national programme designed to improve the experience for all resident doctors, dentists and public health practitioners who are returning to training. Many resident doctors take time out of training for a number of reasons which can often vary in duration. This can include; parental leave, OOPs, career breaks, carer's leave and sickness.
NHS England understands that regardless of the reason, returning back into training can be a challenging and stressful time. However, you are not on your own; NHS England, your School and your host organisation are here to support and guide you through this process.
Please see the North West School of Ophthalmology SuppoRTT pages for more information.
Mrs Ade Garrick,
Ophthalmology SuppoRTT Champion for Cheshire and Merseyside
Based at Southport and Formby District General Hospital
Email: adesuwa.garrick@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Mrs Ade Garrick,
Ophthalmology SuppoRTT Champion for Cheshire and Merseyside
Based at Southport and Formby District General Hospital
Email: adesuwa.garrick@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
School of Ophthalmology Training Programme Management Team
The NHS England – North West School of Ophthalmology Training Programme Management Team are based at NHS England's Manchester Office.
Programme Support Manager for Ophthalmology
Programme Support Co-ordinator for Ophthalmology
Programme Support Administrator for Surgery
General enquiries can also be emailed to the School of Ophthalmology Programme Management Team on the following email address: england.ophthalmology.nw@nhs.net
Lead Employer Contacts
All resident doctors in the North West are employed by a single 'Lead Employer', Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (formerly known as St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust). For any HR or payroll enquiries please contact the lead Employer team.
Lead Employer Team
Website: leademployer.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Email: lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk Updated 23 Apr 2025
Tel: 0151 478 7777
Lead Employer Payroll
Email: leademployerpayroll@sthk.nhs.uk
Tel: 0151 290 4658
The Royal College of Ophthalmologist's Contacts
Deputy Head of Education and Training
Vanna Fadda
Email: vanna.fadda@rophth.ac.uk
Tel: 020 3770 5340
General Contacts
Website: www.rcophth.ac.uk
Email: training@rcophth.ac.uk
Tel: 0300 030 2020
National Ophthalmology Recruitment
Recruitment for ST1 Ophthalmology is managed by NHS England - South West. As of 2023 there will be no recruitment at ST3.
NHS England - South West's Recruitment website
National NHS England's Recruitment Website (includes Timelines, Guidance, Competition Ratios etc.)
ST1 Ophthalmology person specification
Applications open 10am 23 Oct 2025
Ophthalmology in North West England
Sector: Cheshire and Merseyside
Vacancies: TBC
Start Date: 5 August 2026
Grade: ST1
Programme Length: 84 months
Apply via Oriel
Applications open 10am 23 Oct 2025
Ophthalmology in North West England
Sector: Cheshire and Merseyside
Vacancies: TBC
Start Date: 3 February 2027
Grade: ST1
Programme Length: 84 months
Apply via Oriel
Applications open 10am 23 Oct 2025
Ophthalmology in North West England
Sector: Greater Manchester and Lancashire
Vacancies: TBC
Start Date: 5 August 2026
Grade: ST1
Programme Length: 84 months
Apply via Oriel
Applications open 10am 23 Oct 2025
Ophthalmology in North West England
Sector: Greater Manchester and Lancashire
Vacancies: TBC
Start Date: 3 February 2026
Grade: ST1
Programme Length: 84 months
Apply via Oriel
Ophthalmology ACF Recruitment
Recruitment to Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) posts in the North West is managed by NHS England – North West.
Click here to go to NHS England – North West's Recruitment website
Applications close 4pm 30 Oct 2025
Ophthalmology ACF in North West England
Sector: Greater Manchester and Lancashire - University of Manchester
Vacancies: 1
Start Date: 5 August 2026
Grade: ST1
Programme Length: 84 months (36 months as ACF)
Apply via Oriel
Links
National Specialty Recruitment
Local Recruitment (Academic Clinical Fellows only)
Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Royal College of Ophthalmologists e-portfolio (Fourteen Fish)
NHS North West Leadership Academy, Mentoring Scheme
NHS England – North West Links
Page last updated: 23 April 2025