Retina Specialist

American Academy of Ophthalmology; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast Retina Medical Group in Northern California is seeking a fellowship-trained Retina Specialist to join our established, physician-led ophthalmology practice. The role focuses on comprehensive medical and surgical management of retina, vitreous, and macula diseases, with emphasis on evidence-based care and patient-centered outcomes.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and participate in advancing clinical quality, teaching, and practice development

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted California medical license.
• Board certification or eligibility in ophthalmology.
• Eligibility to obtain medical staff privileges at affiliated hospitals and ASC.
• Ability to collaborate in a high-volume, multidisciplinary retina practice.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, evaluate, and manage diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula.
• Perform intravitreal injections and retinal laser procedures as appropriate.
• Conduct vitreoretinal surgical procedures within privileges.
• Coordinate follow-up and monitor treatment response with patients and families.
• Collaborate with clinicians, imaging staff, and leadership to maintain high-quality care.
• Contribute to teaching, quality initiatives, and program development.

Skills

Retina specialty

Surgical retina

Clinical judgment

Patient communication

Education

Board certification in Ophthalmology

California medical license

Job description

West Coast Retina Medical Group is seeking a highly qualified, fellowship-trained Retina Specialist to join our established, physician-led ophthalmology practice serving patients throughout Northern California.

The Retina Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive medical and surgical management of diseases affecting the retina, vitreous, and macula. The position requires exceptional clinical judgment, proficiency in contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and a patient-centered approach to care.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with fellow physicians, clinical technicians, imaging personnel, administrative professionals, and practice leadership to deliver high-quality care in a busy, multidisciplinary clinical environment.

In addition to clinical expertise, the Retina Specialist is expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound resource stewardship, operational efficiency, collegiality, and a commitment to the continued growth and reputation of West Coast Retina Medical Group.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Clinical Patient Care

Diagnose, evaluate, and manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula, including but not limited to:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
• Retinal tears and detachments
• Retinal vascular occlusions
• Epiretinal membranes and vitreomacular traction
• Macular holes
• Inherited and degenerative retinal disorders
• Posterior segment inflammatory and infectious conditions
• Other complex vitreoretinal disorders

Perform comprehensive and problem-focused retinal examinations using appropriate diagnostic modalities.

Develop individualized treatment plans consistent with current medical evidence, accepted standards of care, and patient-specific circumstances.

Perform intravitreal injections, retinal laser procedures, and other office-based interventions within the physician's training and privileges.

Perform vitreoretinal surgical procedures, including pars plana vitrectomy and retinal detachment repair, as clinically indicated and consistent with hospital or ambulatory surgery center privileges.

Evaluate treatment response, modify management plans when appropriate, and coordinate longitudinal follow-up.

Recognize and promptly address urgent or emergent ophthalmic conditions.

Communicate diagnoses, treatment alternatives, potential complications, and expected outcomes clearly to patients and their families.

Obtain and document informed consent for procedures and treatments as required.

Provide appropriate postoperative management and participate in physician coverage arrangements.

2. Clinical Quality and Patient Safety

Maintain the highest standards of clinical quality, patient safety, and professional ethics.

Practice in accordance with accepted medical standards, organizational policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Ensure clinical decisions are supported by appropriate examination findings, diagnostic testing, and medical necessity.

Review and interpret diagnostic imaging, including optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and ultrasonography, when indicated.

Maintain accurate, timely, complete, and clinically meaningful medical records.

Appropriately identify, report, and participate in the review of adverse events, complications, and patient safety concerns.

Participate in clinical quality improvement initiatives, peer review, and the development of standardized care protocols.

Remain current with advances in retinal medicine, surgical techniques, pharmacologic treatments, and emerging technologies.

Demonstrate sound judgment in balancing therapeutic effectiveness, patient preferences, safety, and treatment burden.

3. Clinical Operations and Productivity

Maintain an efficient and organized clinical workflow while preserving the quality and safety of patient care.

Work collaboratively with clinical staff to support timely patient evaluations, diagnostic testing, procedures, and follow-up.

Adhere to established clinic schedules and demonstrate appropriate preparedness and punctuality.

Support the effective use of examination rooms, imaging equipment, clinical personnel, and other practice resources.

Communicate anticipated scheduling changes, clinical delays, and operational needs to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Manage an appropriate patient volume consistent with clinical complexity, quality standards, and established practice expectations.

Participate in reasonable efforts to improve patient access, appointment availability, continuity of care, and referral responsiveness.

Collaborate with practice leadership to identify opportunities to improve workflow, patient experience, and operational performance.

Practice appropriate stewardship of medications, diagnostic testing, surgical supplies, and other clinical resources without compromising medically necessary care.

Comply with established policies governing medication selection, inventory management, handling, documentation, and administration.

4. Medical Documentation, Coding, and Regulatory Compliance

Complete and authenticate clinical documentation in the electronic health record within established organizational timeframes.

Ensure documentation accurately reflects services performed, medical decision-making, diagnoses, procedures, and treatment plans.

Support accurate coding and billing through appropriate documentation of medical necessity and services rendered.

Cooperate with revenue cycle, compliance, and clinical operations personnel to resolve documentation deficiencies, payer inquiries, and medical record requests.

Comply with applicable Medicare, Medicaid, commercial payer, and other reimbursement requirements.

Follow organizational policies relating to informed consent, patient privacy, medical records, medication administration, and clinical documentation.

Maintain compliance with HIPAA, applicable California laws, and relevant federal and state healthcare regulations.

Participate in applicable quality reporting programs and practice compliance initiatives.

Promptly disclose potential documentation errors, compliance concerns, or clinical incidents through established reporting channels.

5. Physician Collaboration and Professional Conduct

Maintain respectful, constructive, and professional relationships with fellow physicians, clinical staff, administrative personnel, referring providers, and practice leadership.

Participate in physician meetings, clinical conferences, case discussions, and organizational initiatives as reasonably required.

Collaborate with colleagues regarding complex cases, patient transfers, second opinions, and continuity of care.

Provide appropriate consultation and support to referring ophthalmologists, optometrists, primary care providers, and other specialists.

Communicate concerns through appropriate organizational channels and participate constructively in resolving disagreements.

Demonstrate accountability for professional commitments, clinical responsibilities, and agreed-upon organizational decisions.

Support a culture of teamwork, mutual respect, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Contribute to an environment in which clinical and administrative staff are treated with professionalism and respect.

6. Teaching, Education, and Professional Development

Participate in the education and professional development of clinical personnel, including ophthalmic technicians and imaging staff.

Provide clinical instruction, case discussions, and mentorship to ophthalmology fellows and other trainees when assigned.

Support the practice’s academic and fellowship-related activities, as applicable.

Maintain continuing medical education and professional competency requirements.

Participate in relevant educational conferences, professional organizations, and clinical development activities.

Contribute to research, clinical trials, presentations, publications, or other scholarly activities when mutually agreed upon and consistent with organizational priorities.

7. Practice Development and Community Relationships

Promote the clinical reputation of West Coast Retina Medical Group through professional conduct, excellent patient care, and constructive relationships with referring providers.

Support the development and maintenance of strong professional relationships within the regional healthcare community.

Participate in reasonable practice development activities, including physician outreach, educational presentations, and community engagement.

Assist with the successful integration of new clinical locations, services, technologies, and treatment protocols as appropriate.

Support organizational initiatives designed to improve patient access, clinical outcomes, and long-term practice sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications.

Licensure:

Current, unrestricted California medical license, or eligibility to obtain one before beginning clinical duties.

• Board certification or board eligibility in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology, or another certification accepted by the practice.
• Current DEA registration, as applicable.
• Eligibility for medical staff membership and clinical privileges at affiliated hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

• Eligibility to participate in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance programs.
• No unresolved licensure, credentialing, or professional restrictions that would prevent performance of essential responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of retinal anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions.

Demonstrated proficiency in medical retina management and appropriate surgical procedures.

Ability to independently evaluate complex clinical presentations and formulate appropriate treatment plans.

Strong clinical judgment and commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to function effectively within a high-volume, multi-provider clinical environment.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing clinical priorities.

Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary clinical and administrative teams.

Proficiency with electronic health records and digital ophthalmic imaging systems.

Understanding of the importance of medical necessity, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and responsible resource utilization.

Commitment to professional accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board certification in ophthalmology.
• Experience practicing in a high-volume retina specialty environment.
• Demonstrated competence in complex vitreoretinal surgery.
• Experience supervising or teaching ophthalmology fellows, residents, or clinical staff.
• Familiarity with contemporary anti-VEGF therapies, sustained-delivery systems, retinal imaging, and emerging treatment modalities.
• Experience participating in clinical research or clinical trials.
• Demonstrated success developing and maintaining relationships with referring physicians.
• Experience working within a multi-location medical practice.

Performance Expectations

Clinical Excellence

Adherence to accepted clinical standards and evidence-based treatment practices.

Quality and appropriateness of medical decision-making.

Patient safety, complication management, and continuity of care.

Appropriate use and interpretation of diagnostic testing.

Patient Experience

Clear and compassionate communication.

Responsiveness to patient concerns.

Timely access to medically necessary care.

Professional and respectful patient interactions.

Documentation and Compliance

Timely completion of medical records.

Accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation.

Compliance with applicable regulations, payer requirements, and organizational policies.

Operational Effectiveness

Effective management of assigned clinic schedules.

Appropriate clinical productivity and patient throughput.

Collaboration with clinical personnel to minimize avoidable delays.

Responsible utilization of medications, supplies, and clinical resources.

Professionalism and Collaboration

Reliability, punctuality, and fulfillment of professional commitments.

Constructive participation in physician and organizational activities.

Respectful interactions with colleagues and staff.

Willingness to participate in problem-solving and organizational improvement.

Performance expectations will be evaluated in the context of patient complexity, clinical responsibilities, available resources, and applicable professional standards. Financial or productivity considerations shall not supersede appropriate clinical judgment or patient safety.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in outpatient ophthalmology clinics, with surgical responsibilities at affiliated facilities as applicable.

May require travel among West Coast Retina Medical Group locations throughout Northern California.

Requires extended periods of standing, sitting, and performing detailed ophthalmic examinations and procedures.

Requires fine motor coordination, visual acuity, manual dexterity, and sustained concentration appropriate for microsurgical and office-based procedures.

May require participation in urgent patient evaluations and physician coverage arrangements outside regularly scheduled clinic hours.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Organizational Standards

All physicians are expected to uphold West Coast Retina Medical Group's commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, professional integrity, and organizational accountability.

The physician retains independent clinical judgment regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Administrative policies, operational expectations, and organizational performance standards shall be implemented consistently with applicable law, professional ethics, and the physician’s duty to provide medically appropriate care.