REGISTRAR (OPHTHALMOLOGY) (X2 POSTS) (5-Year Contract)

This position offers a rare opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to join the Western Cape Department of Health as a Registrar in Ophthalmology, with one post based at the tertiary-level Groote Schuur Hospital and the other at George Hospital in the Garden Route. Appointed on a five-year contract, the successful candidates will become part of a structured specialist training platform, working within an academic environment linked to the University of Cape Town. The role is designed for doctors who are committed to advancing their clinical and surgical skills in ophthalmology while contributing to public sector eye care services. The department has adopted an ecosystem approach to its training platform, meaning registrars may be rotated across a network of hospitals, including Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, New Somerset Hospital, Mitchells Plain District Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and George Provincial Hospital, to gain broad exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical settings.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner, and they must already be registered in the Independent Practice category. An important concession allows candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration to apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and payment of the prescribed fees on or before the day of the interview; this concession is limited to first-time applicants for a specific registration category or those changing registration status. Beyond the formal qualifications, the department seeks individuals with a strong interest in service delivery, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of authority. Clinical experience in ophthalmology as a medical officer is essential, with proficiency in basic cataract surgery being a key requirement. Candidates should also have passed the FC Ophth(SA) Part 1A examination, covering both papers, and must be computer literate to support patient care, research, and administrative duties.

The core responsibilities of the post revolve around five key result areas: teaching and training of junior staff and students, clinical service provision in outpatient and theatre settings, conducting research and pursuing professional development, undertaking management and administrative tasks, and taking direct responsibility for the provisioning of the consulting rooms. Commuted overtime is compulsory, reflecting the demanding nature of the role and the need for continuous service coverage.

The Department of Health is guided by Employment Equity principles, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Certain registrar posts will be identified for affirmative action to build a representative specialist cadre. Preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid identity document. Applicants should indicate whether they have any bursary obligations, as this affects appointment conditions. Existing employees already on higher salary packages may retain their position subject to personal circumstances, and pay progression will be considered. Registrars will need to register as postgraduates with the University of Cape Town in line with academic guidelines. Should a student’s registration with the higher education institution be discontinued for any reason, the registrar appointment will also end. Furthermore, employees in service who opt to continue their pension benefits as registrars will be required to resign after completing the registrarship if they are not appointed to advertised specialist positions. The role is classified under the OSD framework, and no payment of any kind is required when applying.