Pediatric Ophthalmologist - BC Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Ophthalmologist

BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC

British Columbia Children’s Hospital (BCCH) and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are seeking a general pediatric ophthalmologist to join a distributed Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology that currently includes four site-based faculty members. The preferred candidate will hold certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Ophthalmology (FRCSC), have completed at least one year of subspecialty training in pediatric ophthalmology, and possess expertise in the treatment of pediatric and adult strabismus. Additional expertise in anterior segment, glaucoma, and/or ocular genetics would be considered an asset.

Applicants must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. The successful candidate will be eligible for an appointment with the UBC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at a rank commensurate with experience. An academic interest, supported by advanced training in clinical research, surgical education, or quality improvement is desirable. There is an expectation of commitment to teaching undergraduate students, residents, fellows, and orthoptic students. Clinical duties at BC Children’s Hospital will include care of inpatients, outpatients, ophthalmic surgery, and participation in an on-call schedule. There will also be an opportunity for participation in a health region-based adult strabismus program. Remuneration will be on a fee-for-service basis, through billings submitted to the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia, plus payment for on-call availability.

Reporting to Dr. Jane Gardiner, Department Head, BCCH Ophthalmology, the department has one of the busiest outpatient clinics in the hospital, with over 13,000 patient visits per year. The team includes ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and electrophysiology services, and works in association with the Visual Impairment Program. Referrals to orthoptics, electrophysiology, and low vision services are made based on patient needs.

Qualifications

This position requires certification in Ophthalmology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), a minimum of one year of subspecialty training in pediatric ophthalmology, and expertise in the treatment of pediatric and adult strabismus. Preference will be given to candidates who have expertise in pediatric cataract and glaucoma surgery and/or ocular genetics. Applicants must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. An academic interest supported by advanced training in clinical research, surgical education, or quality improvement is desirable.

The successful candidate will also be committed to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019). A strong asset for consideration is knowledge of the social, economic, political, and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti‑racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety, and foundational commitments.

Contact

Applications, including a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and the names, academic ranks, and contact information of three referees, should be directed to

Erik D. Skarsgard, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FAAP
Head, Department of Surgery
BC Children’s Hospital
Email: eskarsgard@cw.bc.ca

BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) cares for the province’s most acutely ill or injured children and youth, provides developmental and rehabilitation services to children and youth throughout BC, and offers a broad range of health services. BCCH also operates a wide number of specialized health programs, is a leading acute care teaching facility, and conducts research to advance health and care through the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and in partnership with the University of British Columbia.

BCCH is a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) which plans, manages and evaluates specialty and province-wide health care services across BC. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence. These include: Respect people

• Be compassionate
• Dare to innovate
• Cultivate partnerships
• Serve with purpose

About The University Of British Columbia: The University of British Columbia (UBC) is Canada’s third largest university and consistently ranks among the 40 best universities in the world. Primarily situated in Vancouver, UBC is a research-intensive university and has an economic impact of $4 billion to the provincial economy.

About PHSA: PHSA plans, manages, and evaluates specialty and province-wide health care services across BC. PHSA is committed to anti‑racism and equity in hiring and employment practices and is actively working to dismantle systemic barriers through education, inclusion, and accountability.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those belonging to groups identified under the BC Human Rights Code. Indigenous individuals are encouraged to apply and may contact the Sanya’k̓ula Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience Team at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca for support.

PHSA is committed to anti‑racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level.

Indigenous-specific anti‑racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights‑based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self‑determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.