I am also interested in ophtho. From what I know firsthand, the only real disadvantage is that compensation for many surgeries have gone way down. An eye exam and glasses bring in as much money as a cataract surgery now. But they are still paid just fine compared with other specialties that are not all procedures.
As far as demand, all I have to say is that if you're willing to practice in a rural and/or underserved area, the opportunities are there. I have read more than a few ads for docs in the rural midwest. Kind of nice to fill a need in an underserved area too!
As for future technologies, I got to work on the Phase I of a new drug developed for the eye age related mac degen, but which may have implications in virtually all fields of cancer. It's in Phase III now. All I have to say is: 'hot stock pick!'
Anybody got some good ideas on how to get involved in a clinical eye research program? My school doesn't have a residency. Too bad that 2 highly respected programs are about an hour away!