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Chair, Department Of Ophthalmology And Visual Sciences (DOVS)

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

About The Aga Khan University

Founded in 1983, the Aga Khan University  is Pakistan’s first private university and a leading health sciences centre in the region. It has expanded into disciplines including education, media and communications, and arts and sciences. Since 2000, AKU has broadened its presence to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the UK. It is dedicated to improving living conditions for the poor, regardless of faith, origin, or gender, through world-class teaching, research, and health-care delivery.

The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi provides high-quality education to produce responsible healthcare professionals who contribute to society and become leaders in their fields. Its programmes are tailored to international standards, aiming to develop excellent clinical competencies in community settings and hospitals. The goal is to produce health professional leaders through unique training programmes and strong research initiatives, impacting medical education in Pakistan and beyond.

About The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS)

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS)  at AKU is a growing academic and clinical hub, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and allied health training, including a newly launched vitreoretinal fellowship. The department delivers comprehensive subspecialty eye care across AKU’s main campus and regional centres.

Research is a strategic imperative. DOVS leads initiatives in stem cell science, clinical trials, and community-based health systems. Collaborations with AKU’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Clinical Trials Unit drive innovation in therapies for retinal diseases, glaucoma, and diabetic eye conditions. A number of flagship philanthropic initiatives anchor sustainability, enabling global partnerships, attracting top-tier talent, and advancing high-impact research that bridges science and service.

Responsibilities

About The Role

AKU invites applications for Chair of DOVS—a strategic leadership role at the intersection of subspecialty care, translational research, and academic excellence. The Chair will lead the department’s academic, clinical, and research missions, working closely with faculty, hospital leadership, and university governance.

Reporting to the Dean, Medical College and the Chief Executive Officer, Health Services Pakistan supported by Vice Chairs, Managers, and relevant stakeholders. The Chair will will provide visionary leadership to advance clinical services, academic programs, and research initiatives, in alignment with AKU’s guiding principles of IQRA (Impact, Quality, Access and Relevance) and the University’s Strategic Plan (2024-2028). The Chair will also play a key role in enhancing the department’s research portfolio and philanthropic engagement, ensuring that DOVS remains at the forefront of innovation and service.

The department continues to expand its reach through community-based initiatives and partnerships with regional centres such as the Aga Khan Medical Centre in Gilgit. Faculty members are nationally and in some cases internationally recognized for their contributions to clinical care, education, and research.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to advance clinical services, academic programs, and research initiatives in alignment with AKU’s mission and institutional goals;
  • Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care across all ophthalmic subspecialties, including retina, glaucoma, cornea, paediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology;
  • Optimize clinical operations and resource utilization, ensuring compliance with JCIA/ISO standards and enhancing patient throughput and service quality;
  • Lead curriculum innovation and academic oversight across undergraduate, postgraduate, fellowship, and allied health training programs;
  • Promote academic excellence through structured teaching activities, including rounds, journal clubs, seminars, and interprofessional education;
  • Advance research excellence in basic science, clinical trials, and community-based health systems, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation;
  • Secure extramural funding and support scholarly output, including high-impact publications and collaborative research initiatives;
  • Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty, aligning appointments and promotions with departmental goals and supporting career development.;
  • Represent the department in university governance, national forums, and international academic partnerships to enhance institutional visibility and collaboration;
  • Collaborate with the Advancement Office on donor stewardship and fundraising, while fostering an inclusive and equitable departmental culture.

Requirements

  • Recognized qualification in Ophthalmology (FCPS, FRCS, FRCOphth, American Board, or equivalent);
  • Eligible for appointment as Associate or Full Professor at AKU;
  • Minimum 5 - 7 years of leadership experience in an academic medical setting;
  • Proven excellence in clinical care, teaching, curriculum innovation, and research;
  • Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and grant acquisition;
  • National/international recognition in ophthalmology;
  • Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and faculty development;
  • Strategic vision to elevate the department’s regional and global reputation;
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and empower high performance teamwork;
  • Experience with CPSP-accredited programme administration and community-based health initiatives;
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and health systems strengthening in LMICs.

To Apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications at human.resources@aku.edu, with the position title in the subject line. Your application should comprise:

  • A covering letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role;
  • An up to date Curriculum Vitae;
  • Names and contact details of three referees (referees will only be approached at the final stage of the search and selection process, and only with your express permission).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate standards for promoting respectful relationships with and among all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works with including children and vulnerable adults. It expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.

Comprehensive employment reference checks for the finalists will be conducted.

Applications should be submitted latest by August 24, 2025