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Retinal Surgeon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DLV Vision

Surgical Retina Surgeon

Westlake Village, CA · On-site

$28K - $30K/mo

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments. The Surgical ...

CompHealth

Ophthalmologist

Modesto, CA

$225 - $325/hr

The ideal candidate will leverage their expertise in intravitreal injections and retinal laser skills within an Epic EMR system. Practice Info * Medical and surgical retina patient population * Two ...

CompHealth

Locums Ophthalmologist (Retina)

Modesto, CA

$225 - $325/hr

The role requires expertise in intravitreal injections and retinal lasers, ensuring comprehensive care for patients across two medical office locations. Practice Info * Medical and surgical retina ...

NVISION Eye Centers

Retina Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$350K - $400K/yr

The practice is known for its strong referral relationships, high injection and surgical volume, and commitment to delivering advanced retinal care. With modern facilities, experienced clinical teams ...

NVISION Eye Centers

Retina Specialist

Laguna Hills, CA

$350K - $400K/yr

The practice is known for its strong referral relationships, high injection and surgical volume, and commitment to delivering advanced retinal care. With modern facilities, experienced clinical teams ...

NVISION Eye Centers

Retina Specialist

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$350K - $400K/yr

The practice is known for its strong referral relationships, high injection and surgical volume, and commitment to delivering advanced retinal care. With modern facilities, experienced clinical teams ...

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All JobsRetinal Surgeon JobsRetinal Surgeon Jobs in California

Retinal Surgeon information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$334.7K

$394.8K

How much do retinal surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for retinal surgeon in California is $334,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $299,000.00 and $394,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retinal surgeon?

To thrive as a Retinal Surgeon, you need advanced surgical skills, in-depth ophthalmic knowledge, and completion of medical school, ophthalmology residency, and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship. Proficiency with microsurgical instruments, operating microscopes, and diagnostic imaging systems such as OCT and fluorescein angiography is critical, as is board certification. Exceptional hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you excel in this high-stakes, patient-focused role. These skills ensure precise surgeries, optimal patient outcomes, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by retinal surgeons in their daily practice?

Retinal surgeons often manage complex cases involving delicate eye structures, which require precision, steady hands, and quick decision-making. A common challenge is staying updated with rapidly evolving surgical techniques and technologies, such as new vitrectomy tools or retinal imaging advancements. Additionally, the role can be emotionally demanding, as outcomes aren't always predictable and some patients may experience irreversible vision loss despite best efforts. Collaborating closely with optometrists, general ophthalmologists, and other specialists is essential for providing comprehensive patient care and achieving the best possible results.

What is the difference between Retinal Surgeon vs Ophthalmologist?

AspectRetinal SurgeonOphthalmologist
CredentialsMedical degree, ophthalmology residency, specialized retinal fellowshipMedical degree, ophthalmology residency (may include retinal training)
Work EnvironmentSpecialized clinics, hospitals, surgical centers focusing on retinal diseasesGeneral eye care clinics, hospitals, covering all eye conditions including retina
Industry UsageFocuses on diagnosing and surgically treating retinal conditionsProvides comprehensive eye care, including retina, glaucoma, cataracts, and general eye health

While both Retinal Surgeons and Ophthalmologists are trained eye doctors, Retinal Surgeons specialize in surgical treatment of retinal diseases, whereas Ophthalmologists provide broader eye care services. Retinal Surgeons have additional fellowship training in retinal surgery, making them the go-to experts for complex retinal conditions.

How hard is it to become a retinal surgeon?

Becoming a retinal surgeon requires completing medical school, a residency in ophthalmology, and a fellowship specializing in retina. It typically takes at least 10 years of education and training, along with passing licensing and board certification exams, making it a highly demanding and competitive career path.

What are popular job titles related to Retinal Surgeon jobs in California?

For Retinal Surgeon jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retinal Surgeon jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Retinal Surgeon jobs in California are:

Retinal Surgeon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retinal Surgeon job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $334,732 per year, or $160.9 per hour.

Surgical Retina Surgeon

Pacific Eye Surgeons

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Surgical Retina SurgeonLocation: San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401

The Surgical Retina Specialist will be responsible for providing surgical and medical care to patients with retinal diseases and disorders. The specialist will work closely with other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients, and will be responsible for performing surgical procedures as needed.

Key Responsibilities
  • Diagnose and treat patients with retinal diseases and disorders
  • Perform surgical procedures as needed
  • Work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of retinal surgery and medicine
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development activities
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records
  • Communicate effectively with patients and their families
Qualifications
  • Medical degree from an accredited institution
  • Completion of a residency in ophthalmology
  • Fellowship training in Surgical Retina
  • Board certification in ophthalmology
  • Eligible for or holding a California medical license
  • Excellent surgical skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
Pacific Eye Surgeons is a group of honest, ethical and bright physicians focused on providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our patients in the Central Coast. We are honored to partner with patients to find effective treatments for a wide-range of eye conditions. We take great pride in knowing our team of expert doctors can make a direct impact on the quality of our patients lives through improved vision! If you are looking for a group of doctors who are up-to-date on the latest technology, who put excellence first, and who will treat you like family while taking the time to educate you about your eye conditions – look no further than than Pacific Eye!

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