Equal Pay in Ophthalmology? Not Yet
A decade of AAMC salary data reveals a persistent gender pay gap in academic ophthalmology—and projects it will never close at senior ranks
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By
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Kerri Miller
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March 31, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Equal Pay in Ophthalmology? Not Yet
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Gender-based salary inequity in academic ophthalmology |
| Key Mechanisms | Compensation disparities persist across academic ranks despite women's increasing representation. |
| Target Population | Full-time academic ophthalmologists in the US |
| Care Setting | Academic medical institutions |
Key Highlights
- Women earned 85 to 91 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024.
- Compensation parity is projected only at the assistant professor and associate professor levels.
- Over a 30-year career, men are projected to earn $1.04 million more than women.
- Women's representation in academic ranks is increasing but remains lower at higher levels.
- Compensation growth for women is slower at the professor and chair levels.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify gender-based salary disparities in academic ophthalmology.
Management
- Implement structured and transparent institutional compensation systems.
- Conduct periodic department-wide salary reviews.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Track compensation trends and gender representation in academic ranks.
Risks
- Sustained pay gaps can lead to generational wealth deficits.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Not applicable; study focuses on academic ophthalmologists.
N/A
Clinical Best Practices
- Incorporate financial literacy and negotiation training into medical education.
- Equalize starting salaries for new faculty.
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