Ophthalmology Faculty Jobs | Academic Positions in Vision Science

Explore academic careers in Ophthalmology within Medicine. Opportunities include faculty positions, research roles, and clinical practice at top universities and medical centers, offering a pathway to contribute to vision science and patient care.

Unlock Elite Careers in Ophthalmology: Where Vision Meets Academic Excellence!

Ophthalmology faculty jobs offer a dynamic blend of clinical expertise, groundbreaking research, and mentorship in higher education. As the medical specialty focused on eye health, Ophthalmology addresses everything from cataracts and glaucoma to retinal diseases and innovative laser surgeries. With an aging global population driving demand, academic Ophthalmologists are at the forefront, publishing in journals like Ophthalmology and leading trials for gene therapies targeting inherited blindness. Students eyeing this path start with a strong pre-med foundation in biology and chemistry, ace the MCAT, complete medical school, and secure one of the highly competitive residencies—match rates hover around 78% per the 2024 NRMP data, with top programs like Bascom Palmer demanding near-perfect USMLE scores.

Professors thrive in roles balancing patient care, NIH-funded research, and teaching future specialists. Fringe quirks include the niche of ocular oncology, where academics pioneered proton beam therapy for eye tumors, or telemedicine adaptations post-COVID that expanded rural access. Check Rate My Professor for insights on standout Ophthalmology faculty at leading med schools. Ready to dive in? Browse thousands of opportunities via higher ed jobs, including professor jobs and lecturer jobs.

What to Study: Path for Aspiring Ophthalmology Students

Aspiring Ophthalmology academics begin with a bachelor's in sciences, followed by MD or DO degrees. Key undergrad courses include organic chemistry, physics, and neuroscience. Post-med school, a 3-year residency plus optional 1-2 year fellowships in subspecialties like vitreoretinal surgery or pediatric Ophthalmology sharpen skills. Unique anecdote: In 2022, a fringe case at Wills Eye Hospital involved a novel stem cell transplant restoring vision in a patient blind for decades, highlighting research frontiers. Parents and students, use SAT score calculator tools and explore scholarships for pre-med funding. Rate top instructors on Rate My Professor to choose programs wisely.

Career Paths in Academic Ophthalmology

Paths diverge into clinician-educators, pure researchers, or department chairs. Trends show rising prestige in AI diagnostics—2023 studies from Stanford Ophthalmology AI lab detected diabetic retinopathy with 95% accuracy, outpacing humans. Job seekers find roles via faculty jobs or research jobs. Locale quirks: Boston's Mass Eye & Ear (/us/massachusetts/boston) leads in neuro-ophthalmology, while Miami's Bascom Palmer excels in cornea transplants. Find Ophthalmology Jobs Now

Clinician-Educator: 60% clinical, 40% teaching
Researcher: NIH grants for gene editing in retina diseases
Administrator: Lead eye institutes like Wilmer at Johns Hopkins

Ophthalmology Professor Salaries and Earnings

Academic Ophthalmology boasts top-tier pay. Per 2023 Doximity reports, assistant professors average $417,000, associate $478,000, full professors $512,000—higher in high-cost areas like California. Trends: Subspecialists in retina earn 20% more due to anti-VEGF injection booms. Compare via professor salaries database. Fringe: Locum tenens gigs in rural Midwest pay $10k/week premiums.

RoleAvg Salary (USD)Top Location
Assistant Prof$417kLos Angeles
Full Prof$512kMiami

Visit university salaries for more. Rate peers on Rate My Professor.

Top Ophthalmology Programs and Job Hotspots

Prestige hubs include #1 Bascom Palmer (University of Miami), Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins), and Stein Eye (UCLA). 2024 U.S. News ranks highlight their research output—over 1,000 publications yearly. Search Ivy League schools for elite spots like Weill Cornell. Faculty openings abound; check clinical research jobs. Higher ed career advice covers applications.

Bascom Palmer: Top-ranked, retina focus. Miami jobs
Wilmer Eye: Neuro-ophthalmology leader. Baltimore
Mass Eye & Ear: Pediatric excellence. Boston

Rate faculty on Rate My Professor. Explore adjunct professor jobs entry points.

Find Your Next Ophthalmology Faculty Role

Leverage recruitment services and free resume template. Trends favor remote-friendly remote higher ed jobs. Get advice at career advice. Rate courses via Rate My Course.

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Associations for Ophthalmology

Frequently Asked Questions

👁️What qualifications are needed for Ophthalmology faculty jobs?

A MD/DO, completed Ophthalmology residency, board certification, and often fellowships. Research publications boost academia chances. Check professor salaries for role insights.

📈What is the job market like for academic Ophthalmologists?

Strong demand due to shortages; 2040 projections show 20% growth. Top programs post frequent faculty jobs. Fringe: Tele-ophthalmology booms in underserved areas.

💰How much do Ophthalmology professors earn?

Averages $417K for assistants per Doximity 2023; full profs $512K. Varies by location—higher in California. See professor salaries.

🏆What are top Ophthalmology residency programs?

Bascom Palmer, Wilmer Eye, Mass Eye & Ear lead U.S. News 2024 rankings. Rate faculty on Rate My Professor before applying.

🔬What trends shape academic Ophthalmology?

AI diagnostics, gene therapies for AMD, and robotic surgery. 2023 NIH grants topped $500M. Explore research jobs.

How competitive is matching into Ophthalmology?

78% match rate (NRMP 2024), but top spots require 250+ Step 1 scores. Students: Prep with SAT scores mindset early.

🎓Are there adjunct opportunities in Ophthalmology?

Yes, adjunct professor jobs for part-time teaching/clinics. Ideal entry for residents. Rate courses at Rate My Course.

🌟What unique research quirks exist in Ophthalmology?

Fringe: Stem cell vision restoration at Wills Eye (2022). Anti-VEGF drugs transformed wet AMD since 2006 academic trials.
273 Jobs Found

University of California San Francisco

505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Academic / Faculty
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Closes: Feb 25, 2026

University of California San Francisco

505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Academic / Faculty
Add this Job Post to Favorites
Closes: Feb 25, 2026
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