Johnson & Johnson Vision Survey Highlights Barriers Faced by Women in Ophthalmology

To coincide with Global Diversity Awareness Month, Johnson & Johnson Vision released findings from the 'Women in Ophthalmology' survey, uncovering barriers faced by female ophthalmologists. In the survey of more than 100 female ophthalmologists, two-thirds (66%) say their professional ophthalmology experience would be better if they received mentorship from other ophthalmologists of the same gender, yet only 26% received such mentorship.

Other key highlights covered in the survey include:

• More than half (56%) of female ophthalmologists surveyed say they aspire to mentor new ophthalmologists as they advance in their careers
• Over one-third (36%) of female ophthalmologists surveyed agree that there is a glass ceiling preventing them from reaching their career aspirations as an ophthalmologist

“Results from the Women in Ophthalmology Survey highlight the inequities disproportionately faced by women ophthalmologists today which is unacceptable,” Lori Tierney, President, Americas, Johnson & Johnson Vision, said in a company news release. “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 American Academy of Ophthalmology 2023 Annual Conference on Saturday, November 4 from 3-3:50 pm 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. Find more information about this event, here: https://jnjvisionaao2023.com/