Gender-based differences in career paths, parenthood and perspectives on professional barriers among Asian ophthalmologists

AJO International Pub Date : 2025-08-09 DOI:10.1016/j.ajoint.2025.100161

Claire L Peterson , Brian S.Y. Yeo , Shelley Yin-Hsi Chang , Rachel S Chong , Marcus Ang , Anna CS Tan , Tina Wong , Andrew S.H. Tsai

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Abstract

Background

Gender equality in Asia remains under-researched, especially within medical fields. This study explored gender-related differences among ophthalmologists in Asia.

Design

Observational, cross-sectional survey study.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed across 21 Asian regions via the Young Ophthalmologist network (June–July 2024), examining career paths, leadership, research, parenthood and gender-related workplace experiences.

Results

A total of 242 cisgendered ophthalmologists from 20 regions responded; 163(67%) identified as women. Although most institutions had gender-balanced workforces, gender disparities persisted. Men were more likely than women to pursue surgically-oriented subspecialties such as surgical retina and cornea (M83% VS W52%, p=0.02). Women reported a greater impact on parenthood on subspecialty choice (W54% vs M28%, p<0.001) and career progression (W64% vs M39%, p<0.001). Women were also more likely to work part-time due to family commitments.

While overall leadership, academic positions and research output were similar, head of department roles in particular were predominantly held by men (62%), with women perceiving they had less opportunities in leadership (W61% vs M90%, p<0.001) and research (W80%, M93%, p=0.01) compared to their male counterparts, and reporting a need to champion women in these areas. Women also experienced more gender discrimination and sexual harassment from their patients, colleagues, and bosses of the opposite sex compared to men(p<0.05).

Conclusion

Women contribute significantly to ophthalmology in Asia but gender-related disparities remain for subspecialty choice, perceived leadership and research opportunities, parenthood, discrimination and harassment. Addressing these through mentorship, education, flexible career support, advocacy and institutional reform is essential to achieving gender equity in all areas of ophthalmology.

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亚洲眼科医生职业道路、父母关系及职业障碍的性别差异

亚洲的性别平等问题仍未得到充分研究，尤其是在医疗领域。本研究探讨了亚洲眼科医生的性别差异。设计观察性、横断面调查研究。方法通过青年眼科医生网络（Young ophthalologist network）在亚洲21个地区进行了一项匿名在线调查（2024年6月至7月），调查了职业道路、领导力、研究、为人父母和与性别相关的工作经历。结果共有来自20个地区的242名非性别眼科医生参与调查；163人（67%）为女性。虽然大多数机构的工作人员性别平衡，但性别差异仍然存在。男性比女性更有可能追求外科导向的亚专科，如外科视网膜和角膜（M83% VS W52%, p=0.02）。女性报告称，生育对亚专业选择（W54%对M28%， p<0.001）和职业发展（W64%对M39%， p<0.001）的影响更大。由于家庭责任，女性也更有可能从事兼职工作。虽然整体领导、学术职位和研究成果相似，但部门主管的角色主要由男性担任（62%），女性认为与男性同行相比，她们在领导（W61% vs M90%, p<0.001）和研究（W80%, M93%, p=0.01）方面的机会较少，并报告需要在这些领域支持女性。与男性相比，女性也经历了更多来自异性患者、同事和老板的性别歧视和性骚扰（p<0.05）。结论亚洲地区女性对眼科的贡献显著，但在亚专科选择、领导和研究机会感知、生育、歧视和骚扰等方面仍存在性别差异。通过指导、教育、灵活的职业支持、宣传和机构改革来解决这些问题，对于在眼科所有领域实现性别平等至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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AJO International

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