SCENE + HEARD: Discover Review of Optometry: Ophthalmology Workforce Expected to Decline 12 Percent by 2035 By Staff Monday, October 2, 2023 4:31 PM Since the 1990s, the number of ophthalmologists practicing in the U.S. has been trending downward, while the demand for eyecare is simultaneously increasing due to the country’s aging population. In other words, as the number of patients climbs, the number of ophthalmologists drops, which could have major implications on the accessibility and availability of care. A group of researchers recently evaluated ophthalmology workforce supply and demand projections between the years 2020 and 2035 to assess the potential trouble that lies ahead. Not unexpectedly, their data—obtained from the Health Resources and Services Administration website—forecasted a sizeable shortage, equating to a 12 percent decline, of ophthalmology supply relative to demand by the year 2035. Read More