Analyzing Trends in the Pediatric Ophthalmology Workforce From 2016 to 2024.

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze current trends in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (PO&S) fellowship match and the current workforce issues that affect pediatric ophthalmology.

Methods: PO&S fellowship match data for 2016 to 2024 fellowship match cycles were obtained via the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology and the San Francisco Match. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) was used to obtain total pediatric ophthalmology membership to estimate the number of practicing pediatric ophthalmologists within the United States from 2016 to 2024.

Results: The number of applicants who matched into PO&S fellowships was significantly lower compared to other specialties such as retina, cornea, and glaucoma. The increase in fellowship spots in PO&S (+10.2%) was also significantly lower than the increases seen in retina and glaucoma. The PO&S match rate remained lower than the other subspecialities every year from 2016 to 2024. The number of international medical graduates matching into PO&S fellowships increased compared to U.S. medical graduates from 2016 to 2024. A similar trend was seen within AAPOS membership, where the U.S. membership has remained steady and international membership has significantly grown (+47.1%) since 2016.

Conclusions: Workforce trends within pediatric ophthalmology show a continued decline in interest among U.S. medical graduates to pursue PO&S fellowships. As experienced pediatric ophthalmologists retire and interest remains lower, the provider gap widens and decreases accessibility to pediatric eye care. Efforts in addressing the disparity between the demand for pediatric ophthalmologists and the limited supply for PO&S-trained fellows need to be at the forefront.