SWHR Eye Health Network Meeting Highlights Gender Diversity Needs in Ophthalmology and Beyond

By Carolyn McPhee, MPH, Science Programs Manager, SWHR 

Despite more women working as eye care providers, clinicians, and researchers, there are still barriers to success for women working in the field of eye health. As Dr. Lynn K. Gordon, MD, PhD, Professor Emerita at the Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, stated during her presentation on gender diversity in ophthalmology at an Eye Health Network meeting hosted in December by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR), “We’ve made some strides in gender equity, but we have a long way to go in ophthalmology.”  

While roughly half of medical school applicants, medical school graduates, and residents are women, this gender parity is not seen in positions of leadership in academic medicine. In Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) affiliated organizations, far fewer women hold positions such as division chief (29%), full professor (25%), or department chair (18%). Dr. Gordon noted that, as early as medical student applications and evaluations, gendered language may be used to describe students, which may influence how women are perceived in their field and thus, impact the trajectory of their medical careers. Gordon also highlighted that while more women are entering the field of ophthalmology (41% of residents in 2020), women have far fewer opportunities to practice surgical procedures than their male counterparts during residency.  

Further, women in several ophthalmic subspecialities (e.g., pediatric ophthalmology, retina specialists) are underrecognized in awards and lag behind in serving in leadership roles, such as executive committee and president positions. Having women in leadership positions is important, Dr. Gordon emphasized, as it sets a path for other women entering the field. Beyond academic training and recognitions, a significant pay gap still exists between men and women ophthalmologists, with a 2017 U.S.-based study revealing that women collected 56 cents for every dollar collected by men. Summarizing the data presented, Dr. Gordon stated, “Gender disparities in ophthalmology occur at every level.” 

Looking forward, Dr. Gordon highlighted a variety of areas ripe for change and innovation, such as: creating awareness about gender inequity; enacting structural and institutional policy change; valuing contributions from women; providing training, mentorship, education, and support for women; and prioritizing equity, representation, and transparency from organizational leadership. 

During the discussion following Dr. Gordon’s presentation, Network members echoed the relevance of the data and confirmed that their personal experiences reflected the crucial differences in resources and support for women in additional fields related to eye health (e.g., optometry). Participants also discussed: 

• The importance of structural change and leadership support. While sometimes viewed as an individual or competency issue, success is often a product of the larger environment. 
• Training programs that allow for mentorship among women. These programs are valuable in creating opportunities for women and developing a collaborative, rather than competitive, environment among peers.
• Addressing mental health and life planning. Open conversations between women about juggling responsibilities, planning a family, and pursuing career goals can better set women up for success personally and professionally.
• The importance of patient-provider congruence. Patient-provider relationships and health outcomes may be improved when patients feel that their provider looks like them, which may include gender as well as race, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics. 

SWHR closed the meeting by sharing some of its recent efforts related to women’s eye health, including the SWHR Patient Guide to Women’s Eye Health, Women’s Eye Health Fact Sheet, a peer-reviewed article on Women’s Eye Health Disparities, and highlights from a conversation about women’s eye health and supporting patient needs hosted earlier this year. As of December, SWHR’s policy activities related to eye health are primarily centered on fiscal year 2023 spending legislation and ensuring sufficient funding for federal research entities, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Also highlighted during the discussion were pieces of legislation introduced during the 117th Congress, such as the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2022, which aims to demonstrate the value of Medicare reimbursement for low vision devices, and the Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2021, which prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount. Check out the SWHR website and social media platforms, and sign up for the monthly newsletter to stay up to date on SWHR’s latest policy activities and educational materials.   

 About SWHR’s Eye Health Network   

SWHR Science Networks comprise of interdisciplinary groups of researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, and other health care leaders with expertise related to a specific disease, condition, or health topic. These Network members engage in scientific, policy, outreach, and education projects focused on identifying and eliminating barriers in women’s health research and care.