Practice of ophthalmology and work satisfaction: An overview of Nigerian ophthalmologists

Abstract

Background: With multiple medical specialities and subspecialties, the choice of a lifelong speciality can be a daunting task. Most medical students commence undergraduate training without complete knowledge of all the medical specialities available. Considering that various factors affect the choice of a speciality, practice location and productivity, this study sought to assess ophthalmologists’ job satisfaction, remuneration and scope of practice. Methods: A semi-structured, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 140 consenting Ophthalmologists and ophthalmic Residents that attended the 2016 Annual Scientific Conference of Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria. Information obtained included participants’ sociodemographic data, practice environment, remuneration, job satisfaction, and areas participants felt required a change in their ophthalmic practice. Responses were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: One hundred and five (75%) of the 140 questionnaires were filled and returned. The median age of participants was 35 years (range: 21-70 years) and 54.3% were females. Most Nigerian ophthalmologists practice in urban area. Consultants do more research spending an average of 6.44 hours per week on research. Most respondents (70, 66.7%) felt fairly compensated for their work with government-employed earning significantly less (₦4.2million/annum) than their private sector counterparts (₦6.3 million/annum). Most respondents (99[94.3%]) reported high levels of job satisfaction and 69(65.7%) were fairly productive. Conclusion: Despite the discrepancies in remuneration in private versus public sector ophthalmologists and trainees, most survey participants feel satisfied with their current level of remuneration and productivity.