OPTOMETRIST: GRADE 1-2 (X1 POST)

The Limpopo Department of Health is seeking a qualified and dedicated optometrist to join the team at Jane Furse Hospital, a rural health facility where this OSD-graded position plays a key part in delivering essential eye care services to the community. The successful candidate will work within the broader clinical support and rehabilitation professions, taking responsibility for both the hands-on provision of optometry care and the strategic development of the service. The role will suit a professional who can operate independently, think critically, and manage a demanding workload in a hospital environment where access to specialist care is vital.

The duties attached to this post are extensive and require more than just clinical skill. The optometrist will be expected to recommend and monitor the budget for the optometry department, oversee the upgrading and maintenance of equipment, and provide expert advice of a specialist nature before decisions are made on patient care. This includes collecting and analysing patient data to inform clinical and management decisions. The role also involves solving complex professional, management and policy problems by carefully evaluating a range of options and identifying the most suitable solutions. The incumbent will make recommendations on policies and strategies for optometry, liaise with outside stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations and universities, and support the coordination of optometry services and professional development within the unit. A core responsibility is to ensure that both optical and non-optical services continue to be provided to the institution and its patients.

Applicants must hold a National Senior Certificate or Grade 12, together with an appropriate qualification that enables registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an optometrist. Current registration with the HPCSA is essential. For appointment at Grade 1, no experience after registration is required, while Grade 2 applicants must have at least ten years of experience following registration. The position demands computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with virtual meeting platforms. A valid driver's licence is required unless the applicant is a person with a disability. Professionally, the successful candidate needs expert knowledge of optometry, a thorough understanding of relevant legislation and policies affecting clinical support and rehabilitation professions, and an grasp of public service financial procedures. Strong report writing, communication, interpersonal and planning skills are essential, along with a questioning attitude, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to perform well under pressure.

There are several notable conditions attached to this post. A rural allowance is payable in addition to the basic salary, recognising the demands of serving in a rural hospital. Applicants must adhere strictly to the prescribed application process, as failure to comply will result in disqualification. The application must include a fully completed and signed new Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae. For online applications, the CV must be submitted in PDF format. Candidates with foreign qualifications are responsible for having them evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and providing proof of that evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and must bring certified copies of their qualifications, current HPCSA registration and identity document. All shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one focused on ethical conduct, and these will be scored as part of the interview process. This post offers an opportunity for a professional optometrist to make a meaningful difference in a rural public health setting while enjoying the benefits of a structured career path within the department.