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Denver Health
Denver, Colorado

Retina Surgeon

SurgeryIncludes callFull-Time

Listed compensation

$433k-$647k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Retina Surgeon to join our team!

We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.

Our Values

Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency

Department: Urologists

Job Summary

The Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Surgery Physician will diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye, specializing in retinal surgery.

This position is responsible for managing a broad range of eye conditions, including the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal disorders, and be proficient in performing and teaching complex vitreoretinal surgery.

In addition to teaching and supervision, this position also offers the opportunity to develop one's own clinical and surgical practice.

Essential Functions

Physicians at Denver Health are faculty members of the University of Colorado School of Medicine serve as teachers for students seeking clinical experience at Denver Health and provide education for post graduate medical trainees. (20%)

Focus on Superior Patient Care by 1) practicing evidence-based, high-quality state-of-the art medicine; 2) encourage increased patient understanding, involvement in care, and treatment decisions; 3) achieve and maintain optimal patient access; 4) insist on departmental focus on superior patient service; and 5) participate in or support education and research. (20%)

Collaborate on Care Delivery by 1) including staff, other physicians and management in both service and patient care improvements; 2) treat all members with respect; 3) demonstrate the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct; and 4) behave in a manner consistent with Denver Health goals. (20%)

Listen and Communicate by 1) providing clinical information in a clear and timely manner; 2) requesting information and resources needed to provide care consistent with Denver Health goals; and 3) provide and accept feedback in a respectful manner from all staff. (15%)

Take Ownership by 1) providing leadership to improve outcomes quality and service quality; 2) work to ensure personal, departmental and organization compliance with all legal and educational requirements; and 3) steadily improve the efficiency and economic aspects of your practice. (15%)

Quality Metrics. 1) Focus on clinically relevant outcome measures; 2) Change by embracing innovations to continuously improve patient care, service and organizational efficiency. (10%)

Evaluate and manage patients with retinal and vitreous disorders, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and other complex retinal conditions. Perform a wide range of retina surgeries including vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, scleral buckling, and intraocular injections. Collaborate with optometrists, general ophthalmologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.

(0%)

Maintain accurate and thorough patient records using EMR systems. Participate in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and continuing medical education. Provide education and training to residents, fellows, or support staff as applicable. Participate in on-call rotation and emergency coverage as needed. (0%)

Education

Doctorate Degree Required

Work Experience

  • Completion of an ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgery fellowship Required
  • BC/BE in ophthalmology Required

Licenses

  • MD-Physician - State Medical Board Required and
  • BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply professional medical principles, procedures and techniques.
  • Thorough knowledge of pharmacological agents used in patient treatment.
  • Able to effectively manage and direct medical staff support activities while providing quality medical care.
  • Able to receive detailed information through oral communications; express or exchange ideas by verbal communications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications, listening, and social skills.
  • Able to interact effectively with people of varied educational, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, skill levels and value systems.
  • Performs in a tactful and professional manner.
  • A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
  • Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
  • Computer skills required.

Experience with advanced surgical technologies and diagnostic imaging. PreferredMultilingual proficiency is a plus.

Interest in academic teaching or clinical research. Preferred.

Shift: Work Type

Regular

Salary

$433,000.00 - $646,500.00 / yr

Benefits

At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community.

Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs.

We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.

When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

  • Here is a small list of our benefit programs:
  • Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
  • 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
  • Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
  • Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
  • Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
  • Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
  • Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

Tuition Reimbursement & Assistance

  • Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
  • Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
  • National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

Key Responsibilities

The Retina Surgeon will diagnose and perform complex vitreoretinal surgeries while managing a broad range of eye conditions. The role also involves teaching medical trainees, participating in clinical research, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Doctorate degree, have completed an ophthalmology residency and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship, and be BC/BE in ophthalmology. A valid state medical license and BLS certification are also required.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
10+ years of experience

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Evidence-based medicineSurgical technologyCommunication

Surgery — Physician Career Context

Of the 35 active Surgery listings this role was benchmarked against, 6% are remote, 89% have no call, 43% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$540k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $524k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Surgery by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$433k–$647kSurgery median $505k (middle half $300k–$650k)164 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$524k in purchasing powerColorado index 103.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Surgery listings in Colorado27 active1,303 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 6% remote · 89% no call · 43% no weekends35 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentloan repaymentColorado physician listings (all specialties): 23% state a sign-on bonus (median $25k) · 18% offer loan repayment360 active listings, Nov 2026
Surgery hiring demand#4 of 28 specialtiespostings stay open a median 40 daysWeekdayDoc Hiring Index, October 2026 · 604 postings, 152 closed
New Surgery listings824 in the last 30 days480 the 30 days before (+72%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), WeekdayDoc Hiring Index; as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Surgeon Jobs

31 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

29 jobs · 20 employers
8
<$450k
10
$450k-550k
1
$564k
5
$650k-750k
5
$750k+

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

25 jobs · 20 employers
Sign-on bonus
68%
401k / retirement match
56% this job
Relocation assistance
40%
CME allowance
16%
Loan repayment
4% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Oculoplastic Surgeon

Mayo Clinic · Rochester, Minnesota

$307k-$843k
#2

Mohs Surgeon - Kirkland, WA

North Pacific Dermatology · Kirkland, Washington

$750k-$750k
#3

Mohs Surgeon - Kirkland, WA

$750k-$750k
#4

Mohs Surgeon - Kirkland, WA

$750k-$750k
+ 29 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 5.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Surgery listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,295 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call
Denver Health logo

About Denver Health

Hospitals and Health Care
Denver, CO
5,001-10,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year
100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
Retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
Medical, dental, vision plans
Employer paid disability and life insurance
On-site employee fitness center
Free RTD EcoPass
Childcare discount programs

Living in Denver

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$556k≈ 1.3× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,855/mo≈ 5% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
25 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.