Orthoptist/Ophthalmic Medical Technologist/Instructor, Eye Care Clinic

Company : IWK Health 

Req ID: 210598 
Department/Program: Eye Care Clinic/Team & Dalhousie, Children's Surgical, Emergency and Rehabilitation 
Location: Halifax   
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT short-assignment (100% FTE) until 03/01/2026  x 1 position(s)
 Start Date: ASAP
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $38.842 - $52.0341 /hour
Closing Date: October 9, 2025 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us. We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Ambulatory Care & Regional Poison Centre, and accountable to the Chair, Clinical Vision Science program and the Professional Practice Leader (Orthoptics), the Orthoptist/Ophthalmic Medical Technologist/Instructor provides patient services for a variety of diagnostic procedures. The Orthoptist/Ophthalmic Medical Technologist/Instructor is responsible for performing Orthoptic examinations on children and adults upon referral from Ophthalmologists, including accurate documentation of findings, formulation of diagnosis, initiation and implementation of Orthoptic treatment and preparation of a comprehensive report for the referring physician. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, initial general ophthalmologic examinations prior to the patient being reviewed and assessed by the Staff Ophthalmologist. Teaching of students in the Dalhousie University, Master of Science in Clinical Vision Science program will be required.

Hours of Work

To be determined.

Your Qualifications

Core Competencies/Qualifications Required:
• Completion of training at an accredited Orthoptic Training School with exhibited excellence as a student.
• Master or equivalent education is required; or currently enrolled in a Master's program is required.
• Current certification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council as a Certified Orthoptist in Canada (prior to commencement date).
• Current certification with the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist.
• Current successful completion of a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Basic Life Support Level (BLS) Program within the last 12 months, or successful completion of a BLS Renewal Challenge Certificate, required.
• Experience in examining, diagnosing and treating pediatric and adult strabismus.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an inter-professional team and to work independently.
• Demonstrated sound judgement, independent decision-making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated communication (verbal & written), interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of Family Centered Care.


Preferred Competencies/Qualifications:
• Minimum two (2) years exp. in an ambulatory ophthalmology practice in a centre with an academic affiliation.
• Experience teaching in an accredited School of Orthoptics and participation in research and publication considered an asset.
• Additional certifications such as: Dispensing Optician, Contact Lens Fitter, Electrodiagnostician, Ophthalmic Nurse, Low vision Specialist, Ophthalmic Photographer, Ultrasonographer, or Ocularist would be an asset.
• Experience in Electrodiagnostic procedures, or an interest in learning these procedures, would be an asset.
• Knowledge of program based care.
• Competencies in other languages considered an asset; 

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Healthcare  bargaining  unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An  offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.