The Growing Impact of Advanced Practice Providers in Ophthalmology
- March 22, 2024
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APPs have historically been underrepresented in the field of ophthalmology [1]
The AANP reports that there is a growing need for APPs to assist the approximately 19,000 ophthalmologists in serving the expanding population of eye patients [2]
As of 2022, 115 PAs (0.1% of all PAs) are in ophthalmology practice [3]
The AANP developed its Ophthalmology Specialty Practice Group two years ago and already has 50 NPs in their community [2]
A 2020 survey found >77% of ophthalmology PAs reported being “extremely satisfied” with their career [1]
Ophthalmology APPs perform ophthalmic examinations, provide patient education, and interpret tests such as optical coherence tomography, biometry, visual field assessment, and corneal topography; many also assist in ophthalmic surgeries [1]
The AAPA lists the Society of Ophthalmology PAs as a support network for PAs in the field [4]
Read about a “day in the life” of an ophthalmology APP here: www.aapa.org/news-central/2020/12/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pa-in-ophthalmology [5]
References
- Lee B, McCall TC, Smith NE, D’Souza MA, Srikumaran D. Physician assistants in ophthalmology: a national survey. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020;217:261-267. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.017
- Why nurse practitioners should look into ophthalmology. AANP. Published February 1, 2024. Accessed March 19, 2024. www.aanp.org/news-feed/why-nurse-practitioners-should-look-into-ophthalmology
- Statistical profile of board certified PAs by specialty. NCCPA. Published in 2023. Accessed March 19, 2024. www.nccpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Q2-Specialty-8_4_23.pdf
- Specialty organizations: Society of Ophthalmology PAs. AAPA. Accessed March 19, 2024. www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/constituent-organizations/specialty-organizations/organization/810658850
- Ciolek J. A day in the life of a PA in ophthalmology. JAAPA. Published December 8, 2023. Accessed March 19, 2024. www.aapa.org/news-central/2020/12/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pa-in-ophthalmology
