Estimated number of ophthalmologists worldwide (International Council of Ophthalmology update): will we meet the needs?

Abstract

Background/aimsTo estimate 2015 global ophthalmologist data and analyse their relationship to income groups, prevalence rates of blindness and visual impairment and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.MethodsOnline surveys were emailed to presidents/chairpersons of national societies of ophthalmology and Ministry of Health representatives from all 194 countries to capture the number and density (per million population) of ophthalmologists, the number/density performing cataract surgery and refraction, and annual ophthalmologist population growth trends. Correlations between these data and income group, GDP per capita and prevalence rates of blindness and visual impairment were analysed.ResultsIn 2015, there were an estimated 232 866 ophthalmologists in 194 countries. Income was positively associated with ophthalmologist density (a mean 3.7 per million population in low-income countries vs a mean 76.2 in high-income countries). Most countries reported positive growth (94/156; 60.3%). There was a weak, inverse correlation between the prevalence of blindness and the ophthalmologist density. There were weak, positive correlations between the density of ophthalmologists performing cataract surgery and GDP per capita and the prevalence of blindness, as well as between GDP per capita and the density of ophthalmologists doing refractions.ConclusionsAlthough the estimated global ophthalmologist workforce appears to be growing, the appropriate distribution of the eye care workforce and the development of comprehensive eye care delivery systems are needed to ensure that eye care needs are universally met.

Population-based rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Sohag governorate in Egypt

“…For example, Libya, Jordan and Iran had 41.4, 44.8 and 21.5 ophthalmologists per million populations, respectively. 23 Although ophthalmologist density may not necessarily be a strong predictor of blindness in a region, 23 advancing the surgical capacity of the ophthalmic human resources available in Egypt should be a priority in efforts to reduce avoidable blindness. The distribution of cataract surgeons relative to population need should be reviewed and strategies to redress imbalances may need to be considered.…”

<p>Minimally Invasive Surgery in Mild-to-Moderate Glaucoma Patients in Italy: Is It Time to Change?</p>

“…More than 7,000 Italian ophthalmologists are members of the Italian Ophthalmological Society (SOI -Società Italiana di Oftalmologia-); the total number of ophthalmologists is estimated to exceed 8,000. 105,106 Treatments that are covered by the public health system through small patient co-payment include tests, medications, surgeries during hospitalization, family doctor visits and medical assistance provided by paediatricians and other specialists, out-patient treatments, and dental treatments.…”

The History of Modern Ophthalmology in Nigeria: A Synopsis of Institutions, Events and Personalities

“…The Fig. 2 is based on records of the local organizing committee for the OSN conference Calabar 2019, it shows a representation of registered Ophthalmologist based on their state of practice, like many regions in the world this data shows a high preference for practice in Urban regions as compared to the rural [13]. The OSN has also developed a document "OSN Strategic Map 2018-2022 document" that enumerates the vision for the development of Ophthalmology in Nigeria, full details are available on their website (osnig.org).…”