Johnson & Johnson Vision, Inc. (JJV) announced key findings from a new survey that sought to identify barriers female ophthalmologists are faced with.
Give me some survey details.
An estimated 100 female ophthalmologists (ages 18+) offered insight for the Women in Ophthalmology (WIO) survey, which was conducted by the global market research firm Ipsos.
Among the topics were mentorship, breaking the glass ceiling, gender competence differences, race/ethnicity, and harassment.
And the respondents?
Respondents were located in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, and responded via online questionnaires between July 20 and August 31, 2023.
What were some of the topics?
Per JJV, race/ethnicity, harassment, and mentorship were questioned—particularly in regards to elevating their professional ophthalmology experience.
While 66% stated that a mentorship from a female ophthalmologist would enhance their professional ophthalmic experience, only 26% reported receiving mentorship.
Further, over half (56%) said that they would be interested in mentoring new ophthalmologists as they advanced in their careers.
Give me some more stats.
On the topic of gender, 32% reported having their competence questioned, while 34% reported believing their gender had an impact on their medical school experience.
Additionally, 36% agreed that a glass ceiling is likely preventing them from reaching their career goals in ophthalmology.
How about in terms of harassment?
Just under one-third (32%) reported that patients have disrespected or harassed them during clinic hours.
And 11% stated that they were harassed or treated disrespectfully by faculty/staff or a student during medical school.
How does these findings compare to other research?
Recent studies assessing gender differences in the field have uncovered a range of findings, including a study published in Ophthalmology in 2022 that analyzed the female presence in ophhtalmology over the last two decades.
The study authors reported that the number of female residents in ophthalmology has increased to 41% as of 2020 (compared to 29% in 2000),
What else?
A 2022 study by the AAO also concluded that the proportion of women practicing ophthalmology isn't reflective of the U.S. population.
The authors noted a lack of female representation among ophthalmology leadership role: 90% of chairs of academic ophthalmology departments in the U.S. are held by men.
This is intriguing ... if I’m attending AAO 2023, how can I learn more about this survey?
JJV, through Johnson & Johnson MedTech Vision, actually has a panel discussion planned for Nov. 4 (Saturday) from 3 pm to 3:50 pm PDT. Titled, Women Leaders in Ophthalmology: Breaking Barrier, the following panelists will further discuss the survey results as well as the need for more diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in the ophthalmic space:
- Lisa Nijm, MD, JD, Warrenville Eyecare and LASIK
- Sonia Yoo, MD, University of Miami Health Center
- Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, Whitsett Vision Group
To visit JJV on the show floor, go to Booth #1121.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting is being held Nov. 3-6 2023, in San Francisco, California.