I'm just starting as a first-year ophtho resident, but trying to refine the old "what I want to be when I grow up" question.

In terms of ease of getting a job in a certain area, is it better to become a general ophthalmologist, or to specialize? The fields I would potentially be interested in would be glaucoma or cornea (but prob without much if any refractive surgery).

I'm not so much interested in earning the highest income out there, but would really like to end up in the northeast (pref New England) for family reasons. Are any fields in more or less demand than others?

glaucoma seems like it is wide open right now, although you may change your mind about that particular area during your residency.

And actually, there seems to be a growing market for ant segment surgeons who want to do "real" cornea (transplants, tumors, etc..) without refractive surgery dominating the practice.


Good Luck.

btw, you should check out retina :>

does it seem that specializing is better than general in busier job markets (ny/nj/pa)? thank you

Thanks for the advice, PDT.

Why retina? I kinda don't want to do a 2-year fellowship. I'm lazy like that.

What's wrong with glaucoma?

As a med student, I did a longitudinal with an (older and very established) general ophthalmologist, who happened to do a lot of glaucoma surgery and medical glaucoma treatment and follow-up despite lack of fellowship training. He did a bunch of cataracts and a few glaucoma surgeries a week. Dunno if that's possible as a new grad, though, but that's the type of job I'd really like. I don't know if I want to give up cataracts, cause it looks like a lot of fun. I'm sure I could be happy as a generalist, but if it will make me more marketable, I'll do a fellowship if needed...for a year. Not two :)