Differences in practice of ophthalmology by gender in Australia

The number of females practising ophthalmology is rising. It is known that practice patterns between female and male ophthalmologists differ. Understanding the differences will help to inform future workforce planning.

To investigate the differences in clinical practice between female and male ophthalmologists in Australia.

Cross-sectional study.

Ophthalmologists participating in the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists workforce survey, and/or Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life survey, and those who made claims from Medicare Benefits Schedule Australia.

Combined analysis of de-identified 2014 data from the surveys and Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Hours worked, service provision, remuneration and social circumstances.

Female ophthalmologists provided 35% fewer services per ophthalmologist per year (2834 vs 4328) than male ophthalmologists. Female ophthalmologists received approximately half the annual income of male ophthalmologists; median self-reported net personal annual income was AUD122 500 (interquartile range [IQR] 96 000-225 000) for females compared to AUD245 000 (IQR 180 000-365 000) for males (P = .01). The median self-reported hours worked per week was 35.0 (IQR 28.0-46.0) for females and 41.8 (IQR 36.5-48.5) for males (P = 0.04). A higher proportion of females practise in medical subspecialties, while a higher proportion of males practise in surgical subspecialties.

Female ophthalmologists earn less compared to male ophthalmologists after accounting for lower service provision and hours worked. Difference in income may be partially accounted for by higher total number of services and procedural services provided by male ophthalmologists. Understanding differences between female and male ophthalmologists will help to inform future medical workforce planning.