Ophthalmologist

Location: Christchurch Hospital
Employment Type: Fixed term, Full-Time

Shape the future of eye care in one of New Zealand’s most desirable regions.

Join a progressive, well-equipped tertiary service where your expertise will be valued, your subspecialty interests supported, and your lifestyle protected. Christchurch offers an unbeatable combination of clinical challenge and natural beauty. World-class skiing, mountain biking, surfing, hiking, and a thriving food and arts scene all on your doorstep!

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

As an Ophthalmologist within the Canterbury Eye Service at Christchurch Hospital, you will join a highly respected tertiary service providing comprehensive secondary and tertiary ophthalmology care across the Canterbury region.

This is an opportunity to practice high-quality medicine in a collaborative and forward-thinking department. You will contribute to outpatient and theatre sessions, participate in acute and on-call services, and have the ability to develop or grow subspecialty interests within the service. We are particularly interested in clinicians who bring expertise that complements our existing team.

You will work alongside skilled multidisciplinary colleagues in a service committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and equitable health outcomes. There are opportunities for teaching, service development, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical leadership for those who wish to contribute at that level.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Canterbury Eye Service is based at Christchurch Hospital, the largest tertiary hospital in the South Island, and provides specialist ophthalmology services to a population of over 700,000 people.

Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island’s natural playground. Located within easy reach of the Southern Alps and Pacific coastline, Christchurch offers an exceptional lifestyle with excellent schools, affordable housing (by international standards), and a vibrant, modern city centre. Whether you are drawn to alpine adventures, coastal escapes, or café culture, Christchurch delivers balance in a way few cities can.

About You

As an Ophthalmologist, you will:

• Hold (or be eligible for) vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand in Ophthalmology
• Be FRANZCO qualified (or equivalent specialist qualification recognised by MCNZ)
• Demonstrate a commitment to high clinical standards and patient-centred care
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Show commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori and underserved populations
• Have an interest in service development, teaching, or subspecialty growth (desirable)

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.

We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in partnership to achieve equitable health outcomes for all.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

If you have any clinical questions about the role, please contact the Clinical Director Dr Leaanne O'Sullivan leaanne.osullivan@cdhb.health.nz or Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz for any queries about the recruitment process.

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.