Review of the Disparities in Access to Pediatric Eye Care Among Low Socioeconomic Status and Underrepresented Racial Minority Groups Exacerbated by the Economic Downturn in Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Purpose: To explore the association between race and socioeconomic status on health disparities in pediatric eye care, characterize the status of diversity within the pediatric ophthalmology workforce, and propose potential solutions to improve access to vision care, particularly for children from vulnerable populations.

Methods: The major studies examining the socioeconomic and racial disparities in visual outcomes and the impact of diversity in the ophthalmology workforce were reviewed.

Results: Currently, the pediatric ophthalmology workforce has limited racial diversity, and increasing the number of underrepresented in medicine providers has potential to improve access to pediatric eye care, particularly for underserved populations.

What We Learned About the Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology: Access to Eye Care and Possible Solutions.

Purpose: To provide a blueprint reviewing the major economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology and its effect on access to pediatric eye care, as well as potential solutions.

Methods: This was a systematic review of the landmark studies examining the economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology was performed.

Results: The number of residents pursuing pediatric ophthalmology fellowship has steadily declined since the early 2000s.

The Medicaid Dilemma and Its Profound Effect on the Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ultimately on Access to Pediatric Eye Care.

Purpose: To identify new patient, follow-up, and surgery appointment wait times for children seeking care at academic eye centers/children's hospitals (AEC/CHs) in the setting of very low Medicaid reimbursements and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology.

Methods: Each state in the United States with AEC/CHs was contacted by phone or email. Using a standardized script, the authors inquired about approximate wait times for non-emergency new patient, follow-up, and surgery appointment times, as well as percentage of patients insured by Medicaid seen at the AEC/CH.

Unanswered Questions Pertaining to the Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Purpose: To create a survey that examines remaining unanswered questions related to the economic and workforce issues in pediatric ophthalmology.

Methods: A 12-question survey was distributed to U.S.

In the Setting of Heightened Economic and Workforce Issues, What Are Third-Year (PGY-4) Ophthalmology Residents' Perspectives of Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Purpose: To investigate the factors influencing residents' choice to pursue a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship.

Methods: A nine-question survey was distributed to third-year (PGY-4) ophthalmology residents of United States-based Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education residency training programs in ophthalmology.

Results: One hundred two of 502 residents completed the survey.

The Economic Factors Impacting the Viability of Pediatric Ophthalmology.

Purpose: To create a survey that assesses the economic factors impacting the viability of pediatric ophthalmology between January 2021 and July 2022.

Methods: A 12-question survey was distributed to United States-based pediatric ophthalmologists on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus discussion board and various social media fora. Demographic, economic, and workforce pattern data were collected and analyzed.

The Economic Downturn of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Its Impact on Access to Eye Care.

Purpose: To discuss the economic downturn of pediatric ophthalmology in the setting of an alarming decline in the number of residents pursuing pediatric ophthalmology and its impact on limiting access to eye care.

Methods: Survey studies and articles examining the recent economic impact of reimbursement cuts and practice pattern changes in pediatric ophthalmology were reviewed. Population data from the 2020 U.

Is There a Path for an Economic Turnaround in Pediatric Ophthalmology?

Purpose: To create a survey that assesses potential solutions for an economic turnaround in pediatric ophthalmology and the frequency of their use.

Methods: A 12-question survey was distributed to United States-based pediatric ophthalmologists on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus discussion board and various social media fora. Demographic, economic, and workforce pattern data were collected and analyzed.

Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Post-Mitigation on Pediatric Ophthalmologists.

Purpose: To create a survey to assess the economic impact that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic post-mitigation (post-shutdown) has had on pediatric ophthalmologists.

Methods: A 14-question survey was disseminated to United States-based pediatric ophthalmologists on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) discussion board and on social media. Demographic data and data on the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic post-mitigation were collected.