• Based in Nelson with district wide focus
• 1.0FTE (80 hours a fortnight) and on-call
• 6 or 12-month fellowship 2025-2026

Health NZ is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we - re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to complete your final year of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) training or equivalent in a supportive, well-resourced regional hospital setting, providing comprehensive clinical and surgical experience.

The fifth-year Ophthalmology position at Nelson Hospital is designed to provide advanced clinical training, professional development, and hands-on experience in the specialty of ophthalmology. The role aims to equip the trainee with the skills and knowledge required for independent practice while ensuring alignment with the standards set by RANZCO. The position emphasises competency in medical and surgical ophthalmology, patient management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and leadership in a regional hospital setting.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Ophthalmology Department at Nelson Hospital provides a wide range of services, including outpatient clinics, inpatient care, and surgical procedures. Our team comprises highly skilled ophthalmologists, dedicated nursing staff, and allied health professionals who collaborate to deliver high-quality patient- centred care. The operating theatres are equipped for advanced ophthalmic surgeries, including phacoemulsification and subspecialty procedures. Dedicated outpatient clinics are available with access to modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including OCT and retinal lasers.

About you:

The successful candidate will:

• Perform comprehensive ophthalmic assessments and manage a wide range of ophthalmic conditions.
• Participate in outpatient clinics, inpatient consultations, and surgical lists, progressively transitioning to independent practice.
• Undertake advanced surgical procedures, including cataract surgery, under appropriate supervision.
• Develop and implement tailored treatment plans, ensuring patient-centred care.
• Contribute to the management of acute ophthalmic presentations and emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
• Provide mentorship and support to junior trainees, medical students, and nursing staff.
• Have opportunity to engage in departmental audits, research, and service development initiatives.

Skills and experience

• Completion of the first four years of the RANZCO training program or equivalent with satisfactory progress and working as a senior registrar.
• Annual Practising Certificate with General Registration with MCNZ under supervision in the Ophthalmology training programme or equivalent.
• Strong clinical and surgical skills in ophthalmology and experience in regional or rural healthcare settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Leadership or teaching experience in a clinical environment.
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in projects / initiatives which give effect to Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health NZ is - the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes. 

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter. 
• We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click - apply now. - All applications must be submitted through our online career - s portal.

For general application enquiries please contact our recruitment team SMO.Recruitment@nmdhb.govt.nz

For role specific information please contact,

-Peter Twamley - Services Manager, Peter.Twamley@nmdhb.govt.nz or

-Derek Sherwood - Head of Department, Derek.Sherwood@nmdhb.govt.nz or

R3N24-020

Application close: Open until filled.