Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of healthcare, the role of a pediatric ophthalmic surgeon is becoming increasingly crucial.

As medical science advances, the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and improve children’s eye health continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a pediatric ophthalmic surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the requirements of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate field of pediatric ophthalmology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric ophthalmic surgeon job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of eye diseases and disorders in children.

Their role involves working with patients from infancy through adolescence, ensuring their eye health, vision correction and treatment of eye-related conditions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Examining patients’ eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases
• Performing surgical procedures to treat eye diseases and correct vision problems
• Prescribing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids
• Administering or prescribing medications to treat eye diseases
• Providing care for eye injuries
• Conducting follow-ups to monitor patients after surgery
• Explaining to parents and children about the surgical procedures and post-operation care
• Collaborating with other medical professionals, such as pediatricians and anesthesiologists, during surgical procedures
• Staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric ophthalmology and incorporating them into patient treatment plans
• Maintaining accurate patient records and adhering to healthcare regulations and standards

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon to provide comprehensive eye care to children with ophthalmologic disorders.

The Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon will diagnose and treat a range of eye conditions, including strabismus, amblyopia, and congenital eye diseases.

They will perform surgeries, administer treatment, and provide post-operative care.

The ideal candidate should be well-versed in the latest medical technologies and surgical techniques relating to pediatric ophthalmology, with a keen focus on patient safety, and a compassionate approach to patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough eye examinations and assessments in children of various age groups
• Diagnose and treat a variety of pediatric ocular diseases and conditions
• Perform surgeries for complex eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and strabismus
• Provide pre and post-operative care to patients
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, explaining conditions and treatments clearly
• Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide holistic care
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric ophthalmology
• Participate in research studies and clinical trials
• Maintain accurate patient medical records
• Adhere to all medical and ethical guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Board certified or board eligible in Ophthalmology
• Subspecialty training in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
• Proven experience as a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon
• Proficient in all the latest surgical techniques in Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong ethics and a high level of personal and professional integrity
• Current and valid medical license

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with on-call duties. Some travel may be required for conferences or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Ophthalmology Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $350,000 minimum to $500,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your current medical license and board certification(s) to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Do?

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating eye disorders in children.

They work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

They perform detailed eye examinations to diagnose conditions such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and various eye diseases that can affect a child’s vision.

Their main task is to perform surgeries on the eyes to treat conditions that cannot be managed with medication or glasses.

This can include procedures to realign the eyes, remove cataracts, or treat retinal diseases.

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons also work with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and optometrists, to manage the overall visual health of the child.

They may also prescribe glasses or contact lenses, provide vision therapy, or recommend other treatments to manage a child’s eye condition.

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons need to keep up to date with the latest treatments and surgical techniques in their field.

They also often participate in research to improve existing treatments and find new ones for pediatric eye conditions.

Their work involves a high degree of precision and care, as they are dealing with the delicate and complex structure of a child’s eye.

They also need to have good communication skills to explain medical conditions and treatments to both children and their parents.

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon should possess an array of skills and qualifications, such as:

• Strong understanding of pediatric ophthalmology, including the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in children, and the ability to perform complex eye surgeries.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, critical for performing precise surgical procedures.
• Strong diagnostic skills to identify various pediatric eye conditions, such as strabismus, amblyopia, and retinopathy of prematurity.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively discuss medical information with patients, parents, and other healthcare providers in a clear, empathetic, and understandable manner.
• Patience and ability to build rapport with young patients, creating a comfortable environment to alleviate their fears or anxieties about medical treatments or procedures.
• Strong decision-making skills for making immediate, high-stakes decisions during surgical procedures.
• Ability to work within a team and coordinate with other healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the latest advancements and research in pediatric ophthalmology to provide the most effective treatment options.

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Experience Requirements

To become a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon, individuals typically need to have extensive education and practical experience.

The journey starts with a 4-year undergraduate degree, often in pre-med or a related field, followed by 4 years of medical school.

After medical school, they must then complete a one-year internship which is often a general surgical internship.

This is followed by a three-year residency in ophthalmology where they gain practical experience in diagnosing and treating eye disorders.

Following their residency, they need to complete a 1-2 years fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

During this fellowship, surgeons gain specialized training in pediatric eye disorders and surgical techniques for children.

After completing their fellowship, pediatric ophthalmic surgeons may seek board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology, which requires passing written and oral exams.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience post-fellowship may be considered entry-level pediatric ophthalmic surgeons.

These professionals often start their careers in hospitals or private practices, under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

Candidates with more than 3 years of post-fellowship experience are often considered experienced surgeons.

These professionals are expected to have well-developed surgical skills and may take on more complex cases.

Those with more than 5 years of post-fellowship experience are often considered senior pediatric ophthalmic surgeons.

These professionals may have leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They are also expected to contribute to the field through research or teaching roles.

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon, one must first complete a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-med.

This is usually a 4-year program that includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology.

The next step is attending medical school, which is typically a four-year program.

Medical school provides a comprehensive education in medical sciences and clinical practices.

Upon graduation, the student receives a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Following medical school, the individual must complete a residency in ophthalmology, which usually takes about three to four years.

This residency provides specialized training in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases related to the eye.

After the residency, they need to complete a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology.

This generally lasts 1-2 years and offers specialized training in treating eye disorders in children, performing eye surgeries, and managing congenital eye conditions.

Once the fellowship is completed, the individual must become board certified.

This involves passing a comprehensive exam administered by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Ongoing education is also important in this field due to advancements in medical technology and practices.

Many Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons attend conferences, participate in workshops, and read medical journals to stay updated.

In addition to these academic and practical requirements, a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon must have excellent manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work under pressure.

They should also have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and their families.

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon earns an average salary of $407,519 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly vary based on factors such as the years of experience, the geographical location, the skill level, and the specific healthcare organization the surgeon is employed with.

 

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon need?

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons should have a medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school, and they should have completed an ophthalmology residency program.

They must also complete additional fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

Moreover, they should be board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or equivalent.

 

What are the responsibilities of a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon?

A Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing eye conditions and diseases in children.

This includes performing surgeries to correct vision problems, congenital anomalies, strabismus, and eye injuries.

They also conduct regular eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, and advise on eye health, including disease prevention.

 

What are the key skills of a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon?

Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeons should have excellent surgical skills, including precision, steadiness, and manual dexterity.

They should also have strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.

In addition, they should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they need to explain complex medical conditions and procedures to parents and children in an understandable manner.

Patience and compassion are also important, as working with children can be challenging.

 

How to evaluate a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon’s resume?

A Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon’s resume should contain their educational background, including their degree, residency, fellowship, and any additional training.

They should also be board-certified in ophthalmology.

Look for any specialized training or experience in pediatric ophthalmology.

Their work history should display progressive responsibility in their field.

Also, check for any research or publications, as these show commitment to staying updated with the latest developments in their specialty.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon?

A good Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon is highly knowledgeable in their field, has strong clinical and surgical skills, and is committed to maintaining up-to-date knowledge through continuous learning.

They should have a gentle, patient, and empathetic demeanor, as they will be working with children who may be scared or nervous.

They should also have strong communication skills, as they need to explain complex medical information to families in an understandable manner.

A good Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon also has strong problem-solving skills and can make sound decisions quickly when necessary.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a pediatric ophthalmic surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about reshaping the future of pediatric eye health, one surgery at a time.

With our practical pediatric ophthalmic surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to move forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every surgery contributes to a bigger vision.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Ophthalmic Surgeon (Complete Guide)

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