Head Of Unit - Ophthalmology

Sa Health - Southern Adelaide Local Health Network; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 297,000 - 383,000; Full time

Job summary

Sa Health - Southern Adelaide Local Health Network in Adelaide, SA, seeks an experienced Clinical Ophthalmologist to join as Head of Unit, Ophthalmology. The role combines clinical practice (0.8 FTE) with 0.2 FTE for leadership duties and the applicable head of unit allowance.

You will contribute to shaping future patient care, education, and service excellence, leading a team through growth and a new ophthalmology facility opening in 2028.

Qualifications

• As a senior clinician, you provide clinical leadership and governance for the ophthalmology service.
• You will contribute to education, training and research within the division.
• You will oversee service delivery during transition to a new facility.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and governance for team functions and services.
• Lead the Flinders Eye Centre and Day Ophthalmology Unit operations.
• Coordinate teaching, supervision and development of junior staff and trainees.
• Support the clinical director with service strategies and quality improvement programs.
• Oversee patient safety, staff wellbeing and a positive team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical Ophthalmology

Governance

Education & Teaching

Job description

Head of Unit - Ophthalmology SA Health - Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Adelaide, SA, AU

Job Description

• Southern Adelaide Local Health Network - Flinders Medical Centre - Ophthalmology Department
• Total Indicative Remuneration Package: MD02 | $296,708 - $383,234 (Subject to Private Practice Arrangements)
• Term appointment 1 to 5 years - Managerial Allowance (Small Unit)

Head of Unit - Ophthalmology | Shape the Future of Patient Care

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and forward-thinking Clinical Ophthalmologist to join SALHN as Head of Unit, Ophthalmology, within the Division of Surgery & Perioperative Medicine.
The position offers up to 0.8 FTE clinical Ophthalmology, together with 0.2 FTE dedicated to Head of Unit responsibilities and the applicable Head of Unit allowance.

This is an opportunity to combine clinical practice with senior leadership, shaping the future direction of the service and influencing clinical excellence, service innovation, education, and research, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that delivers outstanding outcomes for patients and staff.

The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to help lead the service through and exciting period of growth and transformation, including transition to the new purpose-built Ophthalmology facility anticipated in early 2028.

As an experienced senior clinician, you will:

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ophthalmology at SALHN, leading the service through the transition to a new purpose-built clinical facility in early 2028 and helping define the next chapter of patient care, education and service excellence
• Provides clinical leadership and governance for team functions and services.
• Provides visible leadership in creating and sustaining a positive team culture that prioritises patient and staff safety, promotes inclusivity and psychological safety, and applies restorative just culture principles to support learning, accountability, staff wellbeing, and high-quality patient care.
• Supports and reports to the Clinical Director, Surgery & Perioperative Medicine Division, regarding the clinical outcomes of the unit, service strategies and initiatives, and coordinates audit activities, practice evaluation and quality improvement programs.
• Provides operational leadership for the Flinders Eye Centre and Day Ophthalmology Unit and is responsible for the effective management of operational requirements, in collaboration with senior nursing and administrative leadership.
• Ensures that each consumer's care is under the clinical responsibility of an appropriately credentialled Consultant within Ophthalmology.
• Contributes to the development and implementation quality improvement systems, including the review of key performance indicators, clinical outcomes, and audit activities.
• Shares responsibility with the Clinical Director, Surgery & Perioperative Medicine Division for the review of critical incidents, adverse events, complaints, allegations, and other feedback regarding service quality, and for implementing recommendations arising from these reviews.
• Coordinates the clinical teaching, supervision, and professional development of undergraduate students, trainees, and other junior medical staff

Please see the attached Duty Statement for additional information.

Application Closing Date: 11.55 pm Tuesday 29th September 2026

• The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
• Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and Immunisation compliance as indicated on the Role description.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply. Job ref: 946932