Female Representation in Ophthalmic Oncology and Pathology: An Analysis of Scholarship and Leadership.

Introduction: Female representation in ophthalmic oncology and pathology is unknown. We evaluated gender-based trends in authorship and leadership in these fields, focusing on intraocular tumors.

Methods: Articles containing "uveal melanoma" (UM), "retinoblastoma" (Rb), "primary intraocular lymphoma" (PIOL), "choroidal metastasis" (CM), and articles in Ocular Oncology and Pathology (OOP) were searched on PubMed and author names obtained. Leadership/awards from 4 international ophthalmic oncology and pathology societies were recorded. GenderAPI was used to predict gender.

Results: Among 4,245 UM, 9,660 Rb, 141 PIOL, 353 CM, and 568 OOP authors, more males were first (range, 52-67%) and last authors (range, 69-76%). Analysis of the 4 keywords showed overall female authorship increased from 2011 to 2016 to 2017-2022 (35%-40%, p < 0.001), with an increase in both first (45%-47%, p = 0.03) and last authorship (26%-33%, p < 0.001). Female first authors were more likely to publish with female last authors (Rb OR 1.72, p < 0.001; OOP OR 2.04, p = 0.01). Males held more leadership roles/awards in societies.

Conclusion: Female representation in ophthalmic oncology and pathology has grown but gender disparities remain. Female first authors were more likely to publish with female last authors. Most society leaders and awardees were male. Cultivating mentorship through professional organizations may help achieve gender parity.