Future of Ophtho

[keyeman]

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For anyone, including seasoned Ophthalmologists or residents/fellows in the job market:
I have noticed a lot of concern/dissatisfaction among ophthalmology residents about the job market - starting salaries and job availability....

As an intern going into ophtho should I also be concerned about this? Will the dynamics change by the time I start practice, ie. more docs retiring, more aging/diabetic population, more demand for Lasik?

1. What are the starting salaries for General vs. Retina vs. Cornea docs? Will this change upward or downard in forseeable future?

2. Does this vary greatly from income potential, ie does the salary usually
rise dramatically a few years into practice?

3. Are Retina jobs abundant?

4. There are many established Lasik centers currently, is there room for more? Or is it an already saturated market?

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[V05]

I think the future of ophtho is pretty solid- with the boomers retiring and increased life expectancy, there will only be an increase in demand for services. However, the government is always trying to cut our reimbursement- it's important for us to contribute to our professional society who will lobby on our behalf!!

Starting salaries will vary depending on area- nice areas = lower salary.
Starting salary in Southern California can range from 90k-150k, 120k is reasonable for a comprehensive ophthalmologist. Fellowship trained anterior segment specialist will command a slightly higher salary, and retina the highest. If you want to go to BFE, you can start at 250k.

In private practice, your salary will go up significantly after you become a partner in the practice- this means you are paid by the amount you bill. A partner in an efficiently run practice with a good volume can make 300-500k a year. If you choose to work 1/2 time, then obviously, you will make much less.

If you want to be salaried, say at Kaiser, you will probably start around 200k but you probably won't break 300k (in today's dollars, higher for retina). However, you won't have to deal with billing and running the practice.

 

[bulldoc]

Thanks for the honest reply. People in this profession are very hush hush about salaries, and I don't really see why that is.

Hopefully Hillary won't get us all fired...