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Unanswered Questions Pertaining to the Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology

Karen E Lee, Jake A Sussberg, Leonard B Nelson

    Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
    |May 25, 2023
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pediatric ophthalmologists face economic challenges. Surveyed doctors suggested hybrid fellowships and early exposure to boost interest, but many doubt lobbying efforts will prevent Medicare cuts, impacting patient access.

    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Health Economics
    • Workforce Development

    Background:

    • Pediatric ophthalmology is experiencing worsening economic challenges.
    • Understanding current workforce issues is crucial for the subspecialty's sustainability.
    • Existing data does not fully address the economic and workforce concerns.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify and examine unanswered questions regarding economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology.
    • To survey U.S. pediatric ophthalmologists to gather insights on practice challenges and potential solutions.

    Main Methods:

    • A 12-question survey was distributed to pediatric ophthalmologists across the United States.
    • Participants were recruited via the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) discussion board and social media.
    • Data analysis was conducted by comparing responses based on practice setting.

    Main Results:

    • 52.3% of 287 respondents consider pediatric ophthalmology a prestigious subspecialty.
    • 47.7% believe hybrid fellowships (pediatric ophthalmology/adult cataract surgery) could increase practitioners.
    • 65.9% feel early medical school exposure would attract more residents to the field.
    • Over 54% of practices see more than 25% Medicaid patients, contributing to long wait times (over 2 months for new patients, follow-ups, and surgeries).

    Conclusions:

    • Significant economic pressures persist in pediatric ophthalmology.
    • Strategies like early exposure and hybrid fellowships are proposed to enhance interest and practice numbers.
    • Urgent interventions are needed to address workforce shortages and improve patient access to care.
    Abstract

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