Hannah K Gill1, Rachael L Niederer1, Erin M Shriver2, Lynn K Gordon3, Anne L Coleman4, Helen V Danesh-Meyer5. 1. From the Department of Ophthalmology, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (H.G., R.L.N., H.V.D.-M.). 2. Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (E.S.). 3. Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, (L.K.G., A.L.C.), and. 4. Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, (L.K.G., A.L.C.), and; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, (A.L.C.), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA. 5. From the Department of Ophthalmology, the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (H.G., R.L.N., H.V.D.-M.). Electronic address: h.daneshmeyer@auckland.ac.nz.
Abstract
PURPOSE: In recent decades, women have achieved greater representation in ophthalmology. Globally, women now constitute approximately 25%-30% of ophthalmologists and 35%-45% of trainees. Nevertheless, women remain under-represented in key areas, including positions of professional and academic leadership and ophthalmic surgical subspecialization. Furthermore, there is evidence that women in ophthalmology encounter more bias and discrimination across multiple domains than men, including a gender-pay gap that is wider than in many other surgical subspecialties. Women ophthalmologists and trainees report sharply differing training experiences from male peers, including fewer opportunities to operate, more bullying and harassment, less access to mentorship, and contrasting expectations around contributions to family life. DESIGN: Perspective. METHODS: An extensive literature search was undertaken to compile and review papers published with a focus on gender equity across ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine. RESULTS: We identified 8 broad domains that were widely discussed: leadership, research and academics, income, surgical exposure and subspecialization, harassment, career satisfaction, mentorship, and family and marital differences. We have summarized the current research across each of these areas, and discussed possible solutions to reduce the inequities reported. CONCLUSIONS: This review draws on current research published around representation and experiences of women in ophthalmology and suggests that there are opportunities to improve gender inequity.
PURPOSE: In recent decades, women have achieved greater representation in ophthalmology. Globally, women now constitute approximately 25%-30% of ophthalmologists and 35%-45% of trainees. Nevertheless, women remain under-represented in key areas, including positions of professional and academic leadership and ophthalmic surgical subspecialization. Furthermore, there is evidence that women in ophthalmology encounter more bias and discrimination across multiple domains than men, including a gender-pay gap that is wider than in many other surgical subspecialties. Women ophthalmologists and trainees report sharply differing training experiences from male peers, including fewer opportunities to operate, more bullying and harassment, less access to mentorship, and contrasting expectations around contributions to family life. DESIGN: Perspective. METHODS: An extensive literature search was undertaken to compile and review papers published with a focus on gender equity across ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine. RESULTS: We identified 8 broad domains that were widely discussed: leadership, research and academics, income, surgical exposure and subspecialization, harassment, career satisfaction, mentorship, and family and marital differences. We have summarized the current research across each of these areas, and discussed possible solutions to reduce the inequities reported. CONCLUSIONS: This review draws on current research published around representation and experiences of women in ophthalmology and suggests that there are opportunities to improve gender inequity.