Ophthalmic Surgeon

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 Mercy Ships’ Ophthalmic team literally restores sight to the blind through the treatment and surgical removal of cataracts and other ocular maladies.

Our Ophthalmic Surgeons provide ophthalmic surgery, consult on care of pre-operative and post-operative patients, and assist with screening as needed. Experienced surgeons may also provide training for national & international eye surgeons in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and other Ophthalmic procedures.

What you will contribute

• Assessment of potential surgical candidates

• Communicate planned procedures, expected outcomes and potential complications clearly with patients and caregivers, using diagrams & translators when necessary

• Preoperative assessment of surgical candidates

• Work with anesthetic providers and hospital physicians

• Operate on selected candidates as scheduled

• Ongoing consultation for surgical patients

• Potential to train and mentor other Surgeons

For This Role, You Will Need

• Medical Doctor or equivalent degree

• Trained surgeon who has completed sub-specialty training in ophthalmology

• Minimum 2 years surgical experience following completion of specialty training

• Previous missions experience preferred

• Active licensure / registration in home nation

• Active in practice (within the last six months preferred)

• Able to perform Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery and remove pterygium or other ophthalmic sub-specialty (Mercy Ships does not provide retinal or glaucoma surgery)

• Oral and written fluency in English required

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.