Equal Pay in Ophthalmology? Not Yet - Summary - MDSpire

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

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • March 31, 2026

  • 5 min

Share

Objective:

To evaluate gender-based compensation disparities among academic ophthalmologists from 2016 to 2024.

Key Findings:
  • Women earned 85 to 91 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024, with specific figures for each academic rank.
  • Clarify that compensation parity is projected only at the assistant and associate professor levels, not at higher ranks.
Interpretation:

The study highlights persistent gender-based salary inequities in academic ophthalmology, with significant implications for women's career advancement, financial stability, and generational wealth.

Limitations:
  • Include a note on the absence of race and ethnicity data, which is crucial for understanding the full scope of disparities.
Conclusion:

Gender-based salary inequity is a systemic issue in academic ophthalmology that undermines women's professional growth and financial security.

Original Source(s)

Equal Pay in Ophthalmology? Not Yet

  • by Kerri Miller

  • March 31, 2026

Related Content

Astigmatism Up After COVID Restrictions

Researchers identified delayed corneal changes in schoolchildren that emerged after myopia rates had already increased during the pandemic.

FDA Clears Nocturnal IOP Device

Balance Ophthalmics gains FDA 510(k) clearance for wireless FSYX glaucoma device

  • May 26, 2026

  • 2 min
Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss

New research indicates smoking doubles the risk of multiple sight-threatening conditions

  • May 15, 2026

  • 3 min