Ophthalmology Vitreoretina Fellow | May 2026

Location: Christchurch | Employment Type: Fixed Term Full-Time (12 months from May 2026)

Join a friendly and supportive eye department and advance your sub-specialty training in a renowned tertiary referral centre.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Vitreoretinal (VR) Fellow to gain hands-on experience in a busy tertiary setting, supported by experienced consultants and access to research opportunities. Your salary of $179,480 and benefits will align with the ASMS Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement, recognising your experience and offering a generous continuing medical education budget.

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 Vitreoretinal Fellow, you will work alongside a team of 13 consultants across various subspecialties including VR, uveitis, glaucoma, paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and anterior segment/cornea. Your responsibilities will include 2 - 3 theatre lists per week (mostly supervised VR lists or independent cataract surgery), and a mixture of vitreoretinal and medical retina and acute clinics. You will be working with 3 experienced vitreoretinal consultants and helping with supervision of trainees. The role includes the potential for participation in research and access to high-quality equipment and teaching.

About the Team / Service / Location

Based in Christchurch, the Canterbury Eye Service is a tertiary referral centre for the greater South Island. You will join a team of experienced consultants, nurses, orthoptists, optometrists, and ophthalmology assistants. The department has a strong culture of collegiality, support, and continuous learning.

Click here to learn more about living and working in Christchurch

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• Prior ophthalmology experience with a focus or interest in vitreoretinal surgery
• A collaborative and team-focused approach to patient care
• A commitment to teaching and mentoring junior staff
• Interest or experience in contributing to research activities

To check your eligibility for medical registration in New Zealand, please visit: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive, enabling us to better serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

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

For more information, contact:
Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist
Email: Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as they are received and may proceed with interviews before the closing date.

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