Avenue Healthcare, one of the leading private healthcare groups in East Africa, is seeking a Medical Officer specializing in Ophthalmology to join its medical team at Parklands Hospital, Nairobi. The organization has a longstanding reputation for delivering quality and patient-centered healthcare services across Kenya. With a network of three hospitals, 17 medical centers, and a growing home care business, Avenue Healthcare continues to play a significant role in the region’s healthcare ecosystem.
This opportunity offers a chance to work in a professional and structured environment, contributing to the organization’s mission of providing high-quality care that exceeds clients’ expectations. The role requires expertise in eye care, including evaluation, treatment, and surgical management of ocular conditions, alongside broader responsibilities in general outpatient and emergency care.
About Avenue Healthcare
For more than 25 years, Avenue Healthcare has been delivering a wide spectrum of healthcare services, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care. With 300 hospital beds, a workforce of over 1,000 staff members, and more than 400 specialist practitioners, the healthcare group serves upwards of 400,000 patients every year. Its facilities are strategically located to provide timely access to healthcare services, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, efficient, and compassionate care.
The organization emphasizes continuous professional development, adherence to high clinical standards, and integration of technology into healthcare delivery. Its services are complemented by outreach programs such as community health screenings and chronic care support. The recruitment of a Medical Officer in Ophthalmology reflects Avenue Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its specialty care and provide comprehensive eye care services.
Position Details
- Job Title: Medical Officer – Ophthalmology
- Type: Contract
- Location: Parklands Hospital, Nairobi
- Department: Medical Services
- Reports To: Branch Manager
This role involves primary coverage of the Ophthalmology Unit, evaluation of eye conditions, surgical interventions, and coordination with other medical staff. The Medical Officer will also play a role in outpatient and emergency services as needed, ensuring comprehensive coverage and seamless patient care.
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The primary purpose of this role is to deliver quality ophthalmology services, including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular, orbital, and periorbital conditions. The role involves conducting optometry and tonometry assessments, providing minor surgical interventions, and ensuring appropriate referrals for complex cases. Additionally, the Medical Officer will offer support in outpatient and emergency services as part of a multidisciplinary medical team.
Key Responsibilities
The Medical Officer – Ophthalmology will be responsible for:
- Consultations and Patient Management
- Provide consultations at the Ophthalmology Unit.
- Document all assessments, diagnoses, and treatments accurately in patient files and electronic medical records.
- Evaluate and prescribe corrective measures for patients with refractive errors.
- Surgical and Procedural Duties
- Perform minor eye surgeries, including trachoma surgeries.
- Manage eye injuries through surgical or non-surgical interventions.
- Refer complicated or advanced cases to consultant Ophthalmologists for specialized care.
- Collaboration and Liaison Work
- Serve as the primary liaison between nurses, medical officers, and consultant Ophthalmologists.
- Coordinate patient care within the Ophthalmology Unit, ensuring smooth transitions for referrals and follow-ups.
- Training and Capacity Building
- Conduct training sessions and screening exercises for both hospital staff and community outreach programs.
- Contribute to the hospital’s continuous medical education (CME) activities.
- Integration with Chronic Care Programs
- Align the activities of the Ophthalmology Unit with the hospital’s chronic care program.
- Support patients with long-term eye conditions through continuous monitoring and management.
- Inventory and Resource Management
- Prepare and submit monthly inventory reports for drugs, equipment, and supplies.
- Ensure all equipment is maintained in optimal condition and ready for use.
- Administrative and Reporting Duties
- Submit timely departmental activity reports.
- Ensure compliance with Avenue Healthcare’s policies, procedures, and systems as outlined in the HRMIS.
- Additional Duties
- Undertake other tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor in line with the job description.
- Provide additional coverage for outpatient and emergency services when necessary.
Key Deliverables
The expected deliverables from this role include:
- Ensuring delivery of quality eye care services.
- Adherence to established clinical standards.
- Timely and accurate reporting of departmental activities.
- High levels of patient and client satisfaction.
Person Specifications
The position of Medical Officer – Ophthalmology requires the following:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery with at least one year of post-internship experience.
- Registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
- Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine (Ophthalmology/Cataract Surgery).
- Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office and Hospital Information Management Systems.
- A minimum of two years’ experience as an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer, including at least one year of inpatient practice.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Analytical and reporting skills.
- Emotional intelligence, empathy, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating flexibility.
- Strong focus on customer service and patient care.
Broader Impact of the Role
The Medical Officer – Ophthalmology plays a vital role in addressing eye health challenges in Kenya. Eye conditions such as trachoma, cataracts, and refractive errors are common, and timely interventions can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. By integrating ophthalmology services with chronic care programs, the role ensures that patients receive holistic management of long-term conditions.
Moreover, the position contributes to building community awareness about eye health through training and screening initiatives. This aligns with Avenue Healthcare’s vision of not only treating conditions but also promoting preventative healthcare practices.
The role also enhances multidisciplinary collaboration within the hospital, ensuring that ophthalmology services complement other departments. This holistic approach strengthens patient care outcomes, reinforces clinical standards, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Work Environment
The Medical Officer will be based at Parklands Hospital in Nairobi, a facility known for its modern infrastructure and patient-centered services. The hospital environment encourages teamwork, professional development, and adherence to high clinical standards. Staff at Avenue Healthcare are supported through structured systems that include HRMIS tools, CME sessions, and opportunities for skill enhancement.
The Ophthalmology Unit is integrated into the wider hospital system, allowing seamless collaboration with other specialties. This ensures that patients requiring comprehensive care across different departments receive it efficiently.
Career Growth and Development
While this position is contract-based, it offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The role provides exposure to diverse clinical cases, opportunities to engage in training programs, and participation in hospital-wide initiatives such as CME. The emphasis on integration with chronic care and collaboration with consultant Ophthalmologists offers a unique learning experience for the Medical Officer.
By working at Avenue Healthcare, the Medical Officer will be part of a reputable healthcare organization that invests in quality improvement, professional development, and patient satisfaction.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the designated platform. Applicants should ensure that they provide accurate and up-to-date information when applying.