Medical Specialist Grade 1 To 3 (ophthalmology) – Cape Town – Department Of Health

Medical Specialist Grade 1 to 3 in Ophthalmology at New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, a rewarding government job in South Africa

Published 8 October 2026
Closing Date 16 October 2026 — 7 days left
Type
Opportunity
Salary

About the Role

The New Somerset Hospital is seeking a dedicated Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology for Grades 1 to 3 to join their team. Located in Cape Town, this vital role will be crucial in providing specialist outpatient care to patients in need of ophthalmological services. The position not only focuses on delivering exceptional medical care but also plays a significant role in the outreach and support of surrounding district hospitals. By joining this team, you will contribute to enhancing the quality of life for many individuals in the community, embodying the essence of public service in South Africa.

As a Medical Specialist, you will be responsible for ROP screening of neonates, performing surgical services at Eerste Rivier Hospital, and offering expert guidance to healthcare professionals in neighboring facilities. This role is fundamental in ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment, reinforcing the importance of specialized care within the public health system.

About the Department

The Hospital falls under the Department of Health, which is dedicated to delivering comprehensive healthcare services across South Africa. Their mission is to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, prioritizing the well-being of communities. Working within this department means you will be part of a larger movement aimed at improving health outcomes and fostering a healthier nation.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide specialist outpatient ophthalmological care to patients at New Somerset Hospital.
  • Conduct ROP screenings for neonates to ensure early detection and intervention.
  • Perform surgical procedures at Eerste Rivier Hospital for designated ophthalmology lists.
  • Offer outreach support to surrounding district hospitals, enhancing collaborative care.
  • Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest practices in ophthalmology.

What You’ll Need

  • A relevant qualification allowing registration as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
  • For Grade 1: No experience required post-registration.
  • For Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.
  • For Grade 3: At least 10 years of relevant experience as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.
  • Valid Driver’s license.
  • Strong ethical principles and clinical skills, alongside computer literacy.
  • Leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with expertise in Trauma and Emergency Ophthalmology Surgery.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

Minimum educational qualification: Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a 205 Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.

Registration with a professional council: Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.

Experience: Grade 1: None after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.

Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years appropriate experience as Medical Specialist after registration with the HPCSA (or a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of a foreign qualified employee) as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.

Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years appropriate experience as Medical Specialist after registration with the HPCSA (or a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of a foreign qualified employee) as a Medical Specialist in Ophthalmology.

Inherent requirements of the job: Valid Driver’s licence.

Competencies (knowledge/skills): Strong ethical principles and relevant clinical and counselling skills.

Computer literacy.

Leadership-, interpersonal- and organisational skills.

Tertiary knowledge and skills in the field of Trauma and Emergency Ophthalmology Surgery as well as district level elective Ophthalmology.

Appropriate experience in Ophthalmologic surgery as the primary surgeon and treating specialist.

Job Duties

Provide specialist outpatient care to patients requiring services within the domain of ophthalmology.

Provide specialist care in ROP screening of neonates.

Provide surgical service to patients from New Somerset Hospital at Eerste Rivier Hospital for designated Ophthalmology lists.

Provide outreach or support to surrounding District Hospitals that refers patients to New Somerset Hospital.

Salary

Grade 1: R671 per hour Grade 2: R766 per hour Grade 3: R887 per hour

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts, or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re- advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying, you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. ERRATUM: The position of Campus Manager Ref No: 3/3/1/49/2026 advertised in the Public Services Vacancy Circular no 24 of 2026 was published with the incorrect EE Targets; the correct EE Targets are African Males and Females, and persons with disability. Therefore, the submission of job applications will be accepted from 25 September 2026 until 09 October 2026 at 16:00 through the same application channels published under the Public Service Vacancy Circular 24 dated 10 July 2026. Withdrawal of Advertisement: The post of Senior Security Officer (reference: 3/3/1/83/2026), which was published in the Public Service Vacancy Circular number 32 dated 04 September 2026, closing 18 September 2026, has been withdrawn. 5 OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: Dr H Bougaard Tel No: (021) 402-6183 (New Somerset Hospital)