A survey of ophthalmology residents' attitudes toward pediatric ophthalmology.
To assess the level of ophthalmology resident interest in pediatric ophthalmology.



An 18-item 5-point Likert scale was used to determine interest in pediatric ophthalmology among ophthalmology residents in the United States.



The response rate was 23% (316 of 1,341). Of the respondents, 74% agreed they had a clinical role model in pediatric ophthalmology, 66% perceived a good job market for this field, and 67% cited liking strabismus surgery. The majority of residents (56%) found pediatric patients difficult to examine and 50% stated income levels for pediatric ophthalmologists are low.



Although most residents have an overall positive view about pediatric ophthalmology, few indicate interest in pursuing a fellowship. Specifically, most residents reported having a clinical role model in pediatric ophthalmology, perceiving a good job market, and liking strabismus surgery, whereas few residents had interest in further pediatric training and many found pediatric patients difficult to examine and income levels low.
Hasan
S Jafar
SJ
Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.
Castanes
Maria S
MS
Coats
David K
DK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States