Specialist Medical Officer (Ophthalmology & Vitreoretinal Surgery)

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Specialist Medical Officer (Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery) will report to the Head of Department/Medical Director.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Specialist Medical Officer (Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery) is responsible for administering medical and surgical treatment to patients at a hospital in the specialist field of Ophthalmology and specifically Vitreoretinal Surgery. Work involves serving as Consultant to Ophthalmology Officers and attending clinics to treat patients and performing surgeries.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Specialist Medical Officer (Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery):

• Diagnoses and manages patients under the direct care of the Ophthalmology department.
• Maintains continuous clinical responsibility for all patients until final discharge.
• Provides both inpatient and outpatient care, including specialist consultations and surgical interventions.
• Establishes and manages subspecialty services for vitreoretinal eye conditions.
• Organizes and conducts weekly vitreoretinal clinics and surgeries.
• Performs a wide range of major and minor ophthalmologic procedures, including but not limited to laser treatments.
• Provides on-call surgical coverage as required.
• Directs and upholds high standards of medical practice and ethics within the department.
• Ensures adherence to agreed standards of medical care and continuously reviews patient reports for accuracy and quality.
• Coaches, mentors, and supervises junior medical officers, nurses, and paramedical staff.
• Conducts instructional staff conferences to discuss surgical cases and share knowledge as required.
• Oversees undergraduate and postgraduate clinical education within the department.
• Assists the Head of Department in organizing and planning clinics, surgical theatre schedules, and other departmental activities.
• Establishes efficient work schedules ensuring adequate clinical and surgical coverage.
• Participates in hospital-wide training programmes and quality improvement initiatives.
• Engages in continuous professional development and departmental research activities.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in ophthalmology through ongoing study and training.
• Performs related work as may be required by the appropriate Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques and modern developments in Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery.
• Knowledge of the administrative practices and procedures, rules, policies and standards related to the particular unit of the Hospital.
• Ability to examine patients, diagnose, prescribe and administer necessary treatment in the particular field of Ophthalmology.
• Ability to coach, mentor and impart knowledge to lower-level staff.
• Ability to gain the confidence and co-operation of patients and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Good Supervisory Management Skills.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures that govern the Regional Health Authorities.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Specialist Registration in Ophthalmology as recognized by the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Training as evidenced by the possession of a Medical Degree from a recognized school of medicine and Specialist training in Ophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery.
• A minimum of seven (7) years working experience in the field of Ophthalmology and at least three (3) in Vitreoretinal Eye Conditions.
• Any other relevant experience in a similar field and/or environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Registrar
• House Officer
• Interns
• Nursing Staff

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP

Internal:

• Medical Director
• Manager-Hospital Administration
• Manager-Para Clinical Services
• Other members of the Management Team at the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus
• All Medical, Nursing and Para Clinical personnel
• All other staff members

External:

• Specialist in other Regional Health Authorities
• Specialist in other private sector organizations
• Ministry of Health
• Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago
• University of the West Indies