Diversity gaps among practicing ophthalmologists in Canada: a landscape study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Services Research
• Health Equity

Background:

• Access to specialized medical care, such as ophthalmology, is crucial for maintaining vision health.
• Geographic and demographic factors can significantly impact patient access to healthcare providers.
• Understanding disparities in access is essential for developing equitable healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze geographic disparities in accessing language- and gender-concordant ophthalmologic care across Canada.
• To quantify the distances patients face when seeking ophthalmologists who speak their language or share their gender.
• To identify regions and demographic groups with the most significant barriers to specialized eye care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzing practicing ophthalmologists in Canada (September 2023).
• Data on ophthalmologist demographics, languages, and locations were sourced from provincial regulatory bodies.
• Population data from the 2021 Statistics Canada Census were used to calculate ratios and weighted distances to concordant care.

Main Results:

• Significant disparities exist in accessing language- and gender-concordant ophthalmology care.
• Spanish and Cantonese speakers faced substantially longer distances to care compared to English speakers.
• Francophones outside Quebec and females in specific provinces (Newfoundland, Saskatchewan) experienced greater distances to gender-concordant care.

Conclusions:

• The Canadian ophthalmology workforce does not adequately mirror the population's linguistic and gender diversity.
• Targeted strategies are needed to improve equitable access to ophthalmologic services.
• Addressing these disparities is vital for ensuring all Canadians receive necessary eye care.