Do ophthalmologists in private practice have the flexibility to take 4-6 wks vacation a year, or are they tied to their practice too much to leave for too long? Just curious how a doc can leave his practice for 2wks at a time if he has post-ops, new pts, and other potential surgical volume to see. Hopefully, it is possible to get away from work once in a while.

It's difficult to take two weeks at a time. a week is much easier. better yet a couple of days here and there and none of your referral sources notice. I think 4 weeks is very do able. christmas time is like a ghost town for me. taking a week or a week and a half off would not be noticed. if you are in solo practice you will take very little time off. in group you have your partners to cover. it also lets the new guy build up volume and gain rapor with the referral sources.