IRVINE Calif.—To coincide with Global Diversity Awareness Month, Johnson & Johnson Vision, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, released key findings from a Women in Ophthalmology survey, uncovering barriers faced by female ophthalmologists. Findings from the survey will be discussed during a panel discussion hosted by the Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s Vision team at the upcoming American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023 Annual Conference on Nov. 4, according to an announcement from Johnson & Johnson Vision. The survey of more than 100 female ophthalmologists reflected that two-thirds of them say their professional ophthalmology experience would be better if they received mentorship from other ophthalmologists of the same gender, yet only 26 percent of them received mentorship. In addition, one-third (32 percent) of female ophthalmologists surveyed have had their competence in ophthalmology questioned due to their gender. Thirty-four percent of female ophthalmologists surveyed believe their medical school experience could have been different had they been male.

Slightly less than half (45 percent) of female ophthalmologists surveyed aspire to advocate for better ophthalmology treatment for their community while over one-third (36 percent) of them aspire to better serve under-represented communities. More than half (56 percent) of female ophthalmologists surveyed said they aspire to mentor new ophthalmologists as they advance their careers. Over one-third (36 percent) of those surveyed agreed there is a glass ceiling preventing them from reaching their career aspirations as an ophthalmologist.

“Results from this survey highlight the inequities disproportionately faced by women ophthalmologists today which is unacceptable,” said Lori Tierney, president, Americas, Johnson & Johnson Vision. “At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we are deeply committed to making ophthalmology a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment and hope to ignite action to break down the barriers women face to ensure they can thrive in their quest to improve sight for patients.”

Further findings from the survey will be discussed during a panel discussion hosted by the Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s Vision team at the upcoming American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023 Annual Conference in San Francisco on Saturday, November 4 from 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. PDT.

The panel, titled Women Leaders in Ophthalmology: Breaking Barriers, will discuss the need for greater diversity, inclusion and belonging among women in ophthalmology, including the critical need for mentorship in the field. The panel will feature industry leaders Lisa Nijm, MD, JD, Warrenville Eyecare and LASIK; Sonia Yoo, MD, University of Miami Health Center; and Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, Baylor College of Medicine. More information about this event is posted here. 

Johnson & Johnson said it is committed to advancing Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and will keep supporting leadership and mentorship programs to address the career aspirations of female ophthalmologists.

The Ipsos survey was conducted between July 20-August 31, 2023 on behalf of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. For this survey, a sample of 100 female ophthalmologists, ages 18+ from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii were interviewed online in English. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error.