Why Ophthalmologists Should Care about Disparities in Vision Health

Fountain, Tamara R.; Lee, Paul; Parke, David W.

doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.06.036

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…This concern was further magnified in a review of 2021 American Academy of Ophthalmology data by Woreta et al that showed persistent racial and ethnic and gender disparities within the ophthalmology workforce. Moreover, other studies have raised the issue of health disparities in ophthalmology, corroborating the need for diversified representation in the field …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 76%

“…Moreover, other studies have raised the issue of health disparities in ophthalmology, corroborating the need for diversified representation in the field. 2,5,6 Based on these insights, [2][3][4][5] we undertook a thorough analysis of the AAMC Faculty Roster's data from 2000 to 2021, focusing on ophthalmology faculty. 7 Our primary objective was to gain insights into the progression of diversity over time, specifically focusing on underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and gender groups within the field of ophthalmology in comparison with their counterparts.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Ophthalmology Faculty Diversity Trends in the US

Ali,

Chauhan,

Doty

et al. 2023

JAMA Ophthalmol

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ImportanceEnhancing the diversity of ophthalmologists can potentially contribute to diminishing disparities in eye care.ObjectivesTo investigate longitudinal trends in the representation of individuals underrepresented in medicine (URiM) and women among ophthalmology faculty compared with other specialties and to assess disparities between ophthalmology faculty demographic characteristics and the US population.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cross-sectional study, a comprehensive analysis of Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster data between 2000 and 2021 was conducted, using data from the US Medical School Faculty report on 56 438 ophthalmology faculty members.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe data set was used to differentiate ophthalmology faculty members by gender, rank, and designation as a URiM individual. Outcome measures included changes in URiM and non-URiM faculty proportions, faculty rank, gender, department chair positions, and the US population between 2000 and 2021.ResultsA total of 56 438 ophthalmology faculty members (37 511 men [66.5%]) were included in the study. The number of ophthalmology faculty increased from 1820 in 2000 to 3151 in 2021. Across all years, URiM female faculty represented 3.1% of ophthalmologists (1733 of 56 438), while URiM men accounted for 3.5% (1983 of 56 438). Overall, non-URiM men constituted 63.0% of ophthalmologists (35 528 of 56 438), and non-URiM women accounted for 30.5% (17 194 of 56 438). The proportion of URiM male faculty remained stable from 2000 to 2021 (63 of 1820 [3.5%] vs 104 of 3151 [3.3%]), with a small increase in URiM women faculty at junior faculty positions (2000, 40 of 1820 [2.2%]; 2021, 129 of 3151 [4.1%]; difference, 1.9% [95% CI, 0.9%-2.9%]). Proportions of non-URiM men decreased from 71.2% (1295 of 1820) in 2000 to 55.3% (1743 of 3151) in 2021 (difference, 15.8% [95% CI, 13.1%-18.6%]) and proportions of non-URiM women increased from 23.2% (422 of 1820) in 2000 to 37.3% (1175 of 3151) in 2021 (difference, 14.1% [95% CI, 11.5%-16.7%]). In terms of faculty rank, there were increases in representation of women from 2000 to 2021 at assistant professor (from 11.2% [203 of 1819] to 19.7% [622 of 3165]; difference, 8.5% [95% CI, 6.5%-10.5%]), associate professor (from 4.6% [83 of 1819] to 8.6% [271 of 3165]; difference, 4.0% [95% CI, 2.6%-5.4%]), and professor levels (from 2.8% [51 of 1819] to 7.1% [223 of 3165]; difference, 4.3% [95% CI, 3.9%-6.1%]). URiM representation remained stable at most ranks. Compared with other specialties, ophthalmology had among the lowest percentage change in URiM faculty. The expansion of ophthalmology’s URiM faculty representation was less than one-third that of the diverse US population.Conclusion and RelevanceThese findings highlight substantial growth in ophthalmology faculty and an increase in women’s representation across several faculty ranks. However, URiM representation has remained largely unchanged, despite an increase at the associate professor level. This finding emphasizes the need for continued efforts to enhance diversity in academic ophthalmology.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 76%

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confidence: 99%

Ophthalmology Faculty Diversity Trends in the US

Ali,

Chauhan,

Doty

et al. 2023

JAMA Ophthalmol

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“…Disparities in patient outcomes are widespread across all ophthalmology subspecialties [3 ▪ ,4–6]. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are key drivers of disparities in ophthalmology.…”

Section: Disparities In Eye Care and Social Determinantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Social determinants of health (SDOH) are key drivers of disparities in ophthalmology. SDOH are environmental conditions in which people are born, raised, live, learn and work that affect their health risks and outcomes including eye care [3 ▪ ]. Self-identification as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, low socioeconomic status, poor access to healthcare, insurance status and low health literacy are examples of SDOH that have been linked to severe eye disease or blindness [4–6].…”

Section: Disparities In Eye Care and Social Determinantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diversity, equity and inclusion in ophthalmology

Aguwa

Williams

Woreta

2023

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology

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Purpose of review Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in ophthalmology have received increased attention in recent years. This review will highlight disparities, barriers to workforce diversity, as well as current and future efforts to improve DEI in ophthalmology. Recent findings Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and sex disparities exist in vision health and across many ophthalmology subspecialties. The pervasive disparities result from factors such as a lack of access to eye care. In addition, ophthalmology is one of the least diverse specialties at the resident and faculty level. The lack of diversity has also been documented in ophthalmology clinical trials, wherein participant demographics do not reflect the diversity of the U.S. population. Summary Addressing social determinants of health including racism and discrimination is necessary to promote equity in vision health. Diversifying the workforce and expanding the representation of marginalized groups in clinical research are also paramount. Supporting existing programmes and creating new ones focusing on improving workforce diversity and reducing eye care disparities are essential to ensure equity in vision health for all Americans.

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Vision Need Profiles for the City of Richmond, Virginia

Rein,

Herring-Nathan

2024

Ophthalmology Science

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Why Ophthalmologists Should Care about Disparities in Vision Health

Cited by 4 publications

References 3 publications

Ophthalmology Faculty Diversity Trends in the US

Ophthalmology Faculty Diversity Trends in the US

Diversity, equity and inclusion in ophthalmology

Vision Need Profiles for the City of Richmond, Virginia

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