Ophthalmic Surgeon

SurgicalMin 2 WeeksOur surgeons provide life-changing operations to those who need them most, delivering safe, expert surgical care and freeing people in Africa from conditions that have burdened them for years.Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.Driven to provide hope & healing.Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.About This RoleThe Mercy Ships’ Ophthalmic team literally restores sight to the blind through the treatment and surgical removal of cataracts and other ocular maladies.Our Ophthalmic Surgeons provide ophthalmic surgery, consult on care of pre-operative and post-operative patients, and assist with screening as needed. Experienced surgeons may also provide training for national & international eye surgeons in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and other Ophthalmic procedures.RequirementsEach role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.Commitment Min 2 WeeksWhat you will contributeAssessment of potential surgical candidatesCommunicate planned procedures, expected outcomes and potential complications clearly with patients and caregivers, using diagrams & translators when necessaryPreoperative assessment of surgical candidatesWork with anesthetic providers and hospital physiciansOperate on selected candidates as scheduledOngoing consultation for surgical patientsPotential to train and mentor other SurgeonsFor This Role, You Will NeedMedical Doctor or equivalent degreeTrained surgeon who has completed sub-specialty training in ophthalmologyMinimum 2 years surgical experience following completion of specialty trainingPrevious Missions Experience PreferredActive licensure / registration in home nationActive in practice (within the last six months preferred)Able to perform Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and remove pterygium or other ophthalmic sub-specialty (Mercy Ships does not provide retinal or glaucoma surgery)Oral and written fluency in English requiredAbout The TeamYou’ll be part of the Surgical Team, working alongside volunteer surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses to deliver safe, life-changing operations, restoring health and dignity to patients who might otherwise go without essential surgical care.Apply NowFull Job Description Available Upon Request.Proceed to ApplicationFrequently asked questions.We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department. Please contact us if you have additional questions.SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.What are the medical requirements to serve with Mercy Ships?Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.How long can I serve?Mercy Ships provides opportunities to serve for various lengths of time, both in shorter-term or longer-term capacities. Those wishing to serve for more than twelve (12) months must first successfully complete our On Boarding Program (including Foundations of Mercy Ships). All positions have both minimum and maximum lengths of commitment.Please note: In principle, we believe that families are important, and encourage our staff and crew to maintain a healthy life/work balance, which includes not being separated for more than a six-month period. Looking for more information? View our general FAQs to learn about life on board, volunteering, and more.General FAQsThe experience of a lifetime is calling.More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve—and your own.Captain Perez, Africa Mercy & Global MercyRachel Lubitz, Project Assistant, Global MercyFind Your Place On BoardFaith-Led Commitment to Diversity & InclusionMercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer CommunicationsVolunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.Apply NowFull Job Description Available Upon Request.Proceed to Application“I think you get lifelong friends in a different way than I’ve done back home. I like the variety of people, cultures, and views.”Maria Ekstrand — Dining Room Team Leader“The more I'm seeing peoples' lives being transformed, the more I realize this isn't me giving away two years, it's me gaining two years. For me, it's more like a gift.”Eugene Ampadu (Videographer, Africa Mercy, Senegal.)