Ophthalmic Team Manager

Ophthalmic Team Manager

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 role

The Ophthalmic Team Manager oversees the Ophthalmic patient process in both the Ophthalmic Clinic and the Ophthalmic Day Surgery Unit (excludes the Operating Room), leading the Ophthalmic Team onboard. They collaborate closely with the Ophthalmic Program Manager and Ophthalmic Specialty Consultant for programmatic direction and medical oversight. They are also responsible for collaborating with multiple levels of hospital and ship management to ensure smooth functioning of the Ophthalmic Program and to balance patient flow across the hospital and HOPE Centre. This position may qualify for a family cabin. If you have school-age children, learn more about Mercy Ships Academy.

What you will contribute

• Provide professional and spiritual leadership for Ophthalmic Team members.
• Supervise and modify workload as needed for Ophthalmic Team members considering their skills (and those of the whole team) to ensure patient safety and the well-being of the team are prioritized.
• Work closely with the HOPE Centre Manager and Preoperative Logistics Coordinator to ensure adequate housing and transportation of upcountry patients.
• Work closely with the Operating Room Clinical Supervisor and Operating Room Nurse Ophthalmic Team Leader to manage daily and projected field service surgical numbers to allow for management of Operating Room workload and surgical supplies.
• Assist with ongoing program development and revisions of policies, procedures, needs list, and subsequent field service planning.
• Track program statistics. Perform ongoing quality checks of Ophthalmic Team information entered into the Hospital Database for accuracy and complete information

For This Role, You Will Need

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program required for commitments longer than 12 months
• Previous management or health care administration experience strongly preferred
• Ideal candidates would have ophthalmic qualifications including but not limited to Therapeutic Optometrist, Optometrist (non-therapeutic), non-surgical Ophthalmologist, Ophthalmic Nurse, Optician, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (COMT).
• Candidates with substantial project management experience but no clinical qualifications may be considered
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; fluent in English

The 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.