Ophthalmology (eye physician and surgeon) manpower studies for the United States. Part IV: Ophthalmology manpower...

Physician distribution continues to be important in health manpower planning. In 1980 the GMENAC Committee reported uneven geographic distribution of physicians and uneven rates of use of health services in the United States. This study uses zip code sectional areas as the geographical units to describe the geographic distribution of ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists to population ratio was calculated for each of 532 zip code sectional areas in the US. Results indicate considerable variation in availability of ophthalmologic services. However, this variation is not necessarily indicative of a serious maldistribution problem since there are regional differences in need and supply. This study found that less than 1% of the population did not have convenient access to an ophthalmologist. Resulting data should be helpful to both ophthalmologists considering relocating and residents seeking practice opportunities. Ratios should be used in conjunction with other demographic information available for the sectional areas.