Job Description

Job Title: Specialist Ophthalmologist

Department: Ophthalmology

Reports To: Medical Director / Head of Ophthalmology

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job Summary

The Specialist Ophthalmologist is responsible for providing comprehensive ophthalmic care, including the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders affecting the eyes and visual system. The physician delivers high-quality, evidence-based medical and surgical eye care in accordance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, hospital policies, and international clinical standards. The role involves managing both outpatient and inpatient cases, performing ophthalmic procedures, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive eye examinations and assess visual function.
• Diagnose and manage a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, including:
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Dry eye syndrome
  • Conjunctivitis and keratitis
  • Uveitis
  • Refractive errors
  • Retinal disorders
  • Ocular trauma
  • Eyelid and lacrimal system disorders
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings.
• Prescribe medications, corrective lenses, and other therapeutic interventions.
• Refer patients for subspecialty care when clinically indicated.

Surgical & Procedural Responsibilities

• Perform minor ophthalmic surgical procedures where privileged.
• Perform and interpret:
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Fundus examination
  • Tonometry
  • Gonioscopy
  • Visual field testing
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Fundus photography
  • Fluorescein angiography (where applicable)
  • Biometry and keratometry
• Perform laser procedures (e.g., YAG capsulotomy, retinal laser photocoagulation) as per hospital privileges.
• Assist or independently perform cataract surgery and other ophthalmic surgeries in accordance with granted clinical privileges.
• Manage ophthalmic emergencies and ocular trauma.

Patient Care

• Provide compassionate, patient-centered ophthalmic care.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment options, medications, surgical procedures, and postoperative care.
• Counsel patients on preventive eye care and vision preservation.
• Ensure continuity of care through appropriate follow-up and referrals.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with Optometrists, Endocrinologists, Neurologists, Emergency Physicians, Pediatricians, Primary Care Physicians, and other specialists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and clinical meetings.
• Coordinate patient referrals and continuity of care.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Comply with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, hospital policies, infection prevention, and patient safety standards.
• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, morbidity and mortality meetings, and departmental activities.
• Ensure adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and ethical medical practice.

Professional Development

• Participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities.
• Maintain valid professional licensure and certifications.
• Stay current with advances in ophthalmology, diagnostic techniques, and surgical innovations.
• Contribute to teaching, mentoring, and research activities where applicable.

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical degree from a recognized institution.
• Master’s Degree, MD, MS, Arab Board, European Board, FRCS, or equivalent recognized postgraduate qualification in Ophthalmology.
• Valid DHA License or DHA Eligibility Letter as a Specialist Ophthalmologist.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of post-specialization clinical experience in Ophthalmology.
• Experience in outpatient ophthalmology practice.
• Experience performing ophthalmic diagnostic procedures and minor surgeries.
• Cataract surgery experience is highly preferred.
• Previous experience in a DHA-licensed healthcare facility is an advantage.

Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of ophthalmic diseases and treatment modalities.
• Proficiency in ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and procedures.
• Strong surgical skills within granted clinical privileges.
• Excellent clinical judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and patient counseling skills.
• Knowledge of DHA regulations and healthcare quality standards.
• Competency in Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Key Competencies

• Clinical Excellence
• Surgical Competence
• Patient-Centered Care
• Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Commitment to Quality and Patient Safety

Working Conditions

• Outpatient ophthalmology clinics, operating theatres, and hospital settings.
• May participate in on-call duties and emergency ophthalmology services as required.
• Compliance with infection prevention, occupational health, and hospital safety protocols.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Patient satisfaction scores.
• Accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.
• Surgical outcomes and complication rates.
• Compliance with DHA regulations and hospital policies.
• Timely and accurate medical documentation.
• Productivity targets (outpatient consultations, procedures, and surgeries).
• Participation in quality improvement initiatives and Continuing Medical Education (CME).
• Adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and patient safety standards.