Vitreoretinal (VR) Fellow | 2027

Christchurch Hospital | Full-time, Fixed-term | Commencing May 2027 (Negotiable)

Take the next step in your vitreoretinal career in New Zealand.

Are you looking to build on your ophthalmology training, refine your surgical skills, and gain valuable experience managing complex retinal disease in a tertiary referral centre?

The Canterbury Eye Service is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated Vitreoretinal (VR) Fellow to join our established ophthalmology team at Christchurch Hospital from May 2027.

This Fellowship offers the opportunity to develop your expertise across vitreoretinal surgery and medical retina, working alongside experienced Consultants in a supportive, collaborative environment. With exposure to complex posterior segment disease, acute retinal presentations, and a broad range of clinical and surgical work, you will be well placed to strengthen your subspecialty skills and prepare for the next stage of your career.

And when you're not at work? Christchurch offers an exceptional lifestyle, with beaches, mountains, ski fields, walking and cycling trails, and a vibrant city all within easy reach.

About the Fellowship

As our Vitreoretinal Fellow, you will be an important part of the Canterbury Eye Service, gaining advanced clinical and surgical experience within a busy tertiary referral service.

The Fellowship will provide opportunities to:

• Develop your vitreoretinal surgical skills through regular theatre exposure.
• Expand your experience in medical retina, acute retinal presentations, and complex posterior segment disease.
• Work closely with experienced Consultants and multidisciplinary teams.
• Participate in teaching, trainee supervision, and collaborative clinical practice.
• Contribute to research, quality improvement, and service development.
• Continue your professional development with support for learning and research.

You will be joining a service that values clinical excellence, knowledge sharing, and the development of its future specialists.

Your remuneration and employment conditions will be in accordance with the ASMS Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement, including access to a Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance.

Why Christchurch?

Christchurch combines the opportunities of a major tertiary hospital with a lifestyle that is hard to beat.

Located on New Zealand's South Island, the city offers an appealing balance of urban living and outdoor adventure. Enjoy a vibrant café and restaurant scene, coastal escapes, and easy access to the Southern Alps, ski fields, lakes, and spectacular walking and cycling trails.

Whether you're seeking adventure outside work, a welcoming community, or a place to enjoy a better work-life balance, Christchurch is an excellent place to live and develop your career.

About the Canterbury Eye Service

Based at Christchurch Hospital, the Canterbury Eye Service is a large, friendly, and collaborative ophthalmology department comprising 13 Consultants, supported by experienced nurses, orthoptists, optometrists, and ophthalmology assistants.

Our service is committed to high-quality patient care, clinical teaching, and ongoing professional development. As a Fellow, you will work within a multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and the delivery of excellent outcomes for patients.

About You

We are keen to hear from ophthalmologists who are ready to further develop their expertise in vitreoretinal practice and make the most of this Fellowship opportunity.

You will bring:

• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Advanced ophthalmology training and a strong interest in vitreoretinal subspecialty practice.
• Previous experience in retinal surgery and/or medical retina.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• An interest in teaching, research, and continuous professional development.

If you are motivated to grow your clinical and surgical expertise in a supportive tertiary service, we would welcome your application.

Please click here to view the position description.

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to providing excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

Our work is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your vitreoretinal career? Click Apply now to submit your application through our online careers portal. For further information about the role, please contact:

Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist
Amy.Walker@tewahtuora.govt.nz

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress the recruitment process before the closing date.

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

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai! | We look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now

Share