Senior Ophthalmologist

Job Description

Job Title: SeniorOphthalmologist

Report to: Medical Director

Locality: Kigutu Clinic, Vyanda, Bururi

Position Type: Full-Time

About Village Health Works (VHW)

Village Health Works is a 501(c) (3) social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity, but a right. VHW’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and education to the most vulnerable populations, based on critical thinking, in a dignified environment. Rooted in the communities it serves, VHW employs a holistic model that integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music, and the arts. With an 85,000 sq. ft. teaching hospital, a comprehensive health system, and the Kigutu International Academy, VHW addresses the root causes of poverty and promotes long term, sustainable change.

VHW Core Values

• Dignity: Every member of VHW’s team must value the inherent dignity in each individual.
• Excellence: We aspire to excellence in all we do and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Compassion and Justice: These are the heart of our mission and guide all of our actions.
• Boldness and Perseverance: We are courageous in addressing challenges and persistent in pursuing our goals.
• Accountability: We are accountable to each other, our community, and those we serve.

Position Overview

The Ophthalmologist at Kigutu Hospital and Women’s Health Pavilion is responsible for providing comprehensive eye care services, including prevention, diagnosis, medical and surgical management of ophthalmologic conditions. The role supports the hospital’s mission to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while strengthening clinical capacity through education, quality improvement, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The Ophthalmologist contributes to clinical excellence, service development, and training of healthcare staff while ensuring adherence to institutional policies, national guidelines, and international standards of care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Care

• Provide outpatient and inpatient ophthalmologic consultations, diagnosis, and management of eye diseases and visual disorders.
• Perform all ophthalmic procedures and surgeries within the scope of hospital capacity and clinical privileges.
• Manage emergency ophthalmologic cases and provide timely referrals when advanced care is required.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, ensuring continuity of care and appropriate follow-up for patients.
• Promote preventive eye health services, including screening for refractive errors, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and childhood eye conditions.

2. Medical Education and Training

• Provide clinical teaching and mentorship to general physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
• Support capacity building of staff in basic eye examination and early identification of ophthalmologic conditions.
• Participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions and clinical case discussions.
• Contribute to development of clinical guidelines, protocols, and training materials related to eye care services.
• Support community outreach and awareness activities related to eye health promotion and prevention of blindness.

3. Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

• Ensure adherence to clinical standards, infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, and patient safety protocols.
• Participate actively in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and Morbidity & Mortality (M&M) reviews when applicable.
• Monitor clinical outcomes and contribute to improvement of ophthalmology service indicators.
• Promote accurate clinical documentation and appropriate use of hospital information systems.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practices in ophthalmologic care.

4. Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate patient records, procedure logs, and service reports.
• Participate in departmental planning, service development, and resource utilization discussions.
• Assist in forecasting equipment, medication, and consumable needs for ophthalmology services.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of ophthalmology equipment.
• Contribute to preparation of periodic clinical and service activity reports as required by hospital leadership.

5. Team Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including internal medicine, pediatrics, maternity, emergency, and nursing departments.
• Coordinate referrals and co-management of patients with systemic diseases affecting vision.
• Support respectful, patient-centered communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Participate in hospital meetings, clinical reviews, and institutional initiatives.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the hospital.

6. Qualifications and Requirements

• Medical Doctor (MD or equivalent) with specialization in Ophthalmology.
• Valid medical license to practice medicine.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical experience in ophthalmology practice preferred.
• Experience working in resource-limited or rural healthcare settings is an advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching, mentorship, and quality improvement.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and culturally diverse environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Village Health Works.

Salary and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits include paid time off (vacation, rest & recuperation), room and board during your assignment, access to routine care through our health clinic, expat health insurance for you and your eligible dependents, medical evacuation coverage, travel allowances for home visits.

How to apply

How to Apply

Please email the following documents to jobs@villagehealthworks.org the subject line: Senior Ophthalmologist.

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the position
2. Your current resume/CV
3. Contact details for three (3) professional references (including one former supervisor) Deadline
4. Certified copy of diplomas and training certificates
5. Job Certificates

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until March 10, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Village Health Works is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Burundian nationals, and individuals from underrepresented communities. Village Health Works considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation.