Eye health measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2024: interactive data

The number of employed ophthalmologists, full-time equivalent (FTE) per 100,000 Australian population: Measure 4.2

The size and location of the eye health workforce provides a broad indication of access to eye health services. Full-time equivalent (FTE) is a measure calculated by dividing an estimate of the total hours worked by ophthalmologists in a week by an estimate of the standard hours worked (40 hours per week). The FTE measure is then compared with the size of relevant population to get the FTE per 100,000 population. (Figure 54 and Figure 55)

Latest data and time trend

In 2023, 1,004 ophthalmologists were employed in Australia (3.9 FTE per 100,000). Fewer than 5 First Nations people identified as ophthalmologists. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of employed ophthalmologists increased slightly, while the rate remained fairly constant. In 2014, there were 872 employed ophthalmologists (3.9 FTE per 100,000) and in 2023 there were 1,004 employed ophthalmologists (3.9 FTE per 100,000) (Figure 55).

Figure 55: Number and rate of ophthalmologists, 2014 to 2023

Notes

1. Data are based on ophthalmologists employed in Australia working in registered profession.
2. FTE per 100,000 based on a 38-hour work week.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) analysis of Health Workforce Dataset.

By remoteness

In 2023, Major cities had the highest number (847) and rate (4.7 FTE per 100,000) of employed ophthalmologists, followed by Inner regional areas (126, 2.7 FTE per 100,000) and Outer regional areas (29, or 1.5 FTE per 100,000). There were insufficient numbers of ophthalmologists to calculate rates in other areas (Figure 56 – remoteness).

By jurisdiction

In 2023, the number and rate of employed ophthalmologists varied across states and territories. New South Wales had the highest number (365) of employed ophthalmologists followed by Victoria (257). New South Wales had the highest rate (4.4 FTE per 100,000) of employed ophthalmologists. (Figure 56 – jurisdiction).

By Primary Health Network

Central and Eastern Sydney had the highest number (138) and rate (8.7 FTE per 100,000) of employed ophthalmologists. The Primary Health Networks (PHN) with the next highest rates were Northern Sydney (70, or 7.8 FTE per 100,000) and Brisbane North (64, or 6.2 FTE per 100,000). The number of ophthalmologists was too low to calculate FTE rates in 7 PHNs. (Figure 56 – geography).

Figure 56: Number and rate of ophthalmologists: interactive data