Career prospects for ophthalmologists under 49years old : Asurvey in Germany from 2022

Abstract

The need for care in ophthalmology is constantly increasing due to demographic changes. The study analyzed the current professional situation and future prospects of ophthalmologists under 49years old. The survey of members of the German Association of Ophthalmologists (Berufsverband der Augenärzte Deutschlands) and the German Ophthalmologic Society (Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft) was conducted in 2022. All members under the age of 49years received an online questionnaire on the current professional situation as well as future perspectives (desired working hours, form of organization). The results of the survey were additionally compared with the 2016 survey of the German Association of Ophthalmologists. Asimilar questionnaire was used at that time. Atotal of 1014 people participated in the survey (62.7% women, mean age 39.3 ± 8years, 75.6% specialists). The response rate to the survey was 25%. Specialist practice from0 to 5years showed ahigher number of employed ophthalmologists (21% self-employed vs. 32% employed); over time the number of self-employed ophthalmologists increased (6-10years: 40%, > 10years: 59.3%). Overall, 46% of women were employed in apractice compared with 33% of men. Of the self-employed specialists, 95.9% said they planned to work in the same type of employment in 10years as currently. Regarding ophthalmologists' career future, the other employment types showed adesire to move to independent practice. Compared to the 2016 survey, gender differences related to the current type of employment were evident. The number of self-employed women decreased from 43% to 26% and self-employed men decreased from 63% to 39%. The number of ophthalmologists in ambulatory healthcare centers was doubled compared to 2016. Ophthalmologists reported similar future perspectives at both survey times. The results of the survey of ophthalmologists under 49years in Germany showed similar perceptions as in 2016. It became clear that the desire to be self-employed in 10years is very high; however, ophthalmologists expected large practices or medical care centers to prevail in the market. The number of self-employed doctors is decreasing and the desire for self-employment is difficult to realize.