A survey of ophthalmology residents' attitudes toward pediatric ophthalmology

To assess the level of ophthalmology resident interest in pediatric ophthalmology.

An 18-item 5-point Likert scale was used to determine interest in pediatric ophthalmology among ophthalmology residents in the United States.

The response rate was 23% (316 of 1,341). Of the respondents, 74% agreed they had a clinical role model in pediatric ophthalmology, 66% perceived a good job market for this field, and 67% cited liking strabismus surgery. The majority of residents (56%) found pediatric patients difficult to examine and 50% stated income levels for pediatric ophthalmologists are low.

Although most residents have an overall positive view about pediatric ophthalmology, few indicate interest in pursuing a fellowship. Specifically, most residents reported having a clinical role model in pediatric ophthalmology, perceiving a good job market, and liking strabismus surgery, whereas few residents had interest in further pediatric training and many found pediatric patients difficult to examine and income levels low.