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Retinal Surgeon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Retinal Consultants

Surgery Scheduler

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

... retinal diseases. Join 200+ other team members working for our nationally recognized retina ... surgeon's schedule * Contacting insurance to verify eligibilities, benefits and obtaining ...

New

NVISION Eye Centers

Retina Specialist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$350K/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/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 6, 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.

Vitreoretinal Specialist / Retinal Surgeon

Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$350 - $520/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 hours ago

Posted today

Salem Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

164th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Highlights

Pacific Eye Associates is seeking a Retina/Vitreoretinal Surgeon to join its well-established multispecialty ophthalmology team. This opportunity is well suited for a fellowship-trained retina specialist who is seeking a collegial practice environment, a strong referral network, and the opportunity to provide comprehensive medical and surgical retina care in one of the nation's most dynamic metropolitan areas.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop a thriving multispecialty practice through collaboration with colleague ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other members of the ophthalmic community.

Why Join Pacific Eye Associates? Clinical Excellence
  • Join an established ophthalmology practice (50+yrs) with a strong reputation for high-quality patient care
  • Opportunity to build on and expand a dedicated retina and vitreoretinal surgical practice
  • Diverse and established patient population with a broad range of medical and surgical retinal conditions
  • Collaborative relationships with comprehensive ophthalmologists and other eyecare providers
  • Experienced clinical and administrative support on-site
  • Commitment to evidence-based medicine and exceptional patient outcomes
Innovation & Growth
  • On-site advanced ophthalmic diagnostic and imaging technology
  • Opportunity to perform a broad range of vitreoretinal procedures and surgical casework
  • Strong potential for professional growth through partnership track
  • Supportive collaborative environment with colleague physicians
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation package with salary guarantee
  • Productivity-based incentive compensation
  • Fast-track partnership opportunity
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Professional liability/malpractice coverage
  • CME allowance and paid CME time
  • Exceptional retirement planning, including profit-sharing
  • Relocation assistance negotiable
  • Additional benefits based on practice structure and physician needs
Location – Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA

Pacific Eye Associates is located in the thriving Pacific Heights neighborhood near Marina District of San Francisco. This city offers an exceptional combination of professional opportunity, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation, and access to world‑class dining, arts, and entertainment.

Physicians living in San Francisco and surrounding communities enjoy proximity to ocean beaches, extensive parks and trails, renowned surgical centers, and a vibrant cultural environment.
The Bay Area provides an especially strong professional environment, with a large and diverse patient population and an established referral network of optometrists and healthcare professionals.

Qualifications
  • Fellowship-trained in Vitreoretinal Surgery / Clinical Retina
  • Board-Certified or Board-Eligible in Ophthalmology (MD / DO)
  • Active California medical license or ability to obtain
  • Commitment to providing exceptional patient care and contributing to a multispecialty practice environment
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