Survey of Ophthalmology Training Experiences Among Young Ophthalmologists in the Asia-Pacific

PURPOSE: To describe ophthalmology training experiences across the Asia-Pacific (APAC).

DESIGN: Survey study.

METHODS: We utilized an anonymous online survey, which was previously validated and conducted in Europe, through Young Ophthalmologist leaders from the national member societies of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) from September 2019 to July 2021. Responses were based on a 5-point Likert scale (where applicable) and data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Our main outcome measures were differences between regions, that is, Southeast Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP); and seniority, that is, trainees/junior ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmologists.

RESULTS: We collated 130 responses representing 20 regions in the APAC region. The year of completion of ophthalmic training ranged from 1999 to 2024. The mean duration of training was 3.7±1.0 years. Most (98/130, 75%) indicated an interest for a common training standard across the APAC. Comparing SEA and WP trainees, both regions had similar working environments, but those in SEA reported significantly lower remuneration than their counterparts in WP ($600 vs $3000, P <0.05). WP trainees performed more phacoemulsification surgeries (76 WP vs 19 SEA), while SEA trainees conducted more manual small incision cataract surgeries (157 WP vs 1.5 SEA per duration of training). Senior ophthalmologists performed more cataract surgeries (210.9 senior ophthalmologists vs 40.1 junior ophthalmologists). Trainees had less confidence in medical competency areas such as interpreting an electroretinogram/visual evoked potential/electrooculogram (SEA=1.8, WP=2.1) and conducting an angiography (SEA=2.8, WP=3.4).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted heterogeneity among ophthalmology training experiences in the APAC region, with the majority indicating an interest in a common training standard.