Consultant Ophthalmologist

New Zealand Government; Nelson; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Hospital in Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a permanent full-time Ophthalmologist. The role covers outpatient clinics, theatre sessions, acute care and on-call duties across Nelson and Wairau.

You will contribute to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred ophthalmic care while teaching registrars and junior staff and engaging in regional service planning and quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Broad general ophthalmology skills required.
• Teaching and supervising registrars and junior staff.
• Ability to work in a provincial hospital environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide full range of ophthalmology services including outpatient clinics and theatre sessions.
• Participate in on‑call roster across the region.
• Contribute to service planning, innovation and quality improvement activities.

Skills

Broad general ophthalmology skills

Teaching and supervision

Team collaboration

Education

Fellowship of the RANZCO

Annual Practising Certificate eligibility (vocational scope)

Tools

OCT

Visual field analysers

Retinal photography

Alcon Centurion phacoemulsification system

Job description

Are you an Ophthalmologist looking for a permanent full time (80 hours a fortnight) rewarding role in Nelson Hospital, Nelson?Join our Ophthalmology team at Nelson Marlborough where your expertise will make a real difference.

Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional development and offers flexibility to pursue areas of special interest.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

This position is based at Nelson Hospital with opportunities to work across both Nelson and Wairau Hospitals. You'll provide a full range of ophthalmology services, including outpatient clinics, theatre sessions, acute ophthalmology care, and participation in the on‑call roster shared across the region.

You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred ophthalmic care and contribute to the continued development of our regional service. The role also involves teaching and supervision of registrars and other junior clinical staff, as well as the opportunity to participate in service planning, innovation, and quality improvement activities.

About the Team/Service/ Location

You’ll be joining a skilled and collegial team of five Ophthalmologists (with general and specialist training) and three Ophthalmology Registrars, supported by a dedicated group of specialty nurses, orthoptists, Optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and administrative staff.

Our Ophthalmology Service works closely with primary care and regional partners to provide seamless, integrated eye care across both Nelson Hospital and Wairau Hospital (Blenheim), serving the top of the South Island. The team works collaboratively across both sites to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred ophthalmic care, with a focus on excellence, innovation, and professional growth.

We provide a full range of services including general ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, medical retina, oculoplastics, and urgent ophthalmic care. Our clinics are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), visual field analysers, retinal photography, and a range of ophthalmic lasers for glaucoma and retinal conditions.

Our operating theatres are fitted with modern ophthalmic microscopes and the Alcon Centurion phacoemulsification system, supporting high‑quality cataract and anterior segment surgery.

The service continues to grow, with the recent opening of our new Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinics at the Braemar Campus in Nelson and the Eye Clinic at Wairau Hospital in Blenheim. These facilities feature modern consulting rooms, state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic and imaging equipment, and dedicated procedure spaces'enhancing both patient experience and clinical efficiency. These new facilities support our commitment to delivering excellent, accessible eye care across the region.

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About you

We are seeking a motivated and team‑oriented Ophthalmologist who enjoys working collaboratively in a provincial hospital environment. You will have broad general ophthalmology skills, and subspecialty interests are welcomed. You'll also play an important role in teaching and supporting our registrars and junior medical staff.

Ability to work independently as a specialist in a provincial district

Hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists or equivalent.

Be eligible for an Annual Practising Certificate with a vocational scope of Ophthalmology with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary team to promote a cohesive team culture of collaborative practice, openness, humour, and respect across disciplines.

Collegiality and collaboration across all disciplines are keys to provide successful services to our patients and community. Should this be the type of environment in which you will thrive, we would like to hear from you!

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand.

We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Interim General Manager at [e-mail] or Derek Sherwood, Head of Department, [e-mail].

For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Athena Nguyen, [e-mail]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.