Parental Cover | 5 January 2027 – 31 January 2027 | 0.8–1.0 FTE

• Join the Canterbury Eye Service at Christchurch Hospital for a short-term fixed-term opportunity.
• Support the delivery of general ophthalmology services and help reduce waiting times for patients across Canterbury.
• A varied clinical role encompassing general ophthalmology, glaucoma, assessment and injection services, and cataract surgery.

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

We are seeking a General Ophthalmologist to join the Canterbury Eye Service at Christchurch Hospital on fixed term Parental Cover from 5 January 2027 to 31 January 2027.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the delivery of general ophthalmology services, with a particular focus on reducing waiting lists by assessing and treating patients who have been waiting for extended periods. You will undertake a varied clinical workload, working alongside an experienced team to support timely access to high-quality specialist eye care for patients across Canterbury.

Clinical activity will include:

• General ophthalmology clinics
• Assessment and Injection Service
• Glaucoma clinics
• Cataract surgery

The position is preferably 1.0 FTE, with current funding at 0.8 FTE and a request to increase this to 1.0 FTE, subject to approval.

About the Team/Service/Location

The Canterbury Eye Service, based at Christchurch Hospital, provides specialist ophthalmology services to the Canterbury population. The service delivers a broad range of ophthalmic care, working across general ophthalmology and subspecialty areas to meet the needs of patients requiring specialist assessment and treatment.

You will join a dedicated clinical team committed to providing safe, effective and patient-centred care, while working collaboratively to improve access to ophthalmology services and reduce waiting times.

For more information on living and working in Christchurch click here.

About You

As a General Ophthalmologist, you will bring sound general ophthalmology experience, strong clinical skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.

You will have:

• Registration, or eligibility for registration, with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Appropriate specialist qualifications and experience in Ophthalmology.
• Demonstrated experience across general ophthalmology, with the ability to contribute to clinics, assessment and injection services, glaucoma and cataract surgery.
• A commitment to delivering timely, safe and effective patient care.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary clinical team.

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.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now". All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal. For more information about the role, please contact

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.