Gender differences in Australasian ophthalmologists' experiences of the workplace

IMPORTANCE: Gender differences were identified in experiences of the workplace and family responsibilities amongst Australian and New Zealand ophthalmologists. BACKGROUND: To survey ophthalmologists regarding their balance of career, family and workplace experiences and to identify gender differences. DESIGN: Online questionnaire sent to 1000 randomly selected Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Fellows in 2017. PARTICIPANTS: The response rate was 28% (n = 282) with 192 males. METHODS: Confidential questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaire responses. RESULTS: Gender differences were noted in working hours (59% of males worked greater than 40 hours a week vs 26% of females, P 20 hours per week, P < 0.001). Female ophthalmologists were more likely to report experiencing discrimination (31% vs 8% of men, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Female ophthalmologists worked fewer hours, mainly in the private sector, to fulfil their greater family commitments. Female ophthalmologists reported additional obstacles to career advancement and were more likely to report experiencing discrimination in the workplace