← 2026 Salary Report / Ophthalmology
Procedure-driven specialty with strong private practice economics. Retina and oculoplastics command top premiums.
Training: 4 years post-medical school | 5-Year Change: +11% | Range (25th-75th): $320,000-$580,000
Comprehensive ophthalmologists start at $300,000-$360,000. Retina specialists start at $400,000-$500,000 due to injection revenue. Cataract volume drives income growth - high-volume surgeons performing 1,000+ cases annually can earn $500,000-$700,000 in private practice. Refractive surgery (LASIK) adds cash-pay revenue.
Florida and Arizona lead in ophthalmology demand due to elderly populations. Texas and Sun Belt states also pay well COL-adjusted. States with aging demographics drive the highest cataract volumes.
Employed ophthalmologists earn $350,000-$460,000. Private practice ophthalmologists with ASC ownership earn $500,000-$800,000+. Retina specialists with intravitreal injection practices can generate substantial per-injection revenue in private settings. The ownership model (ASC equity, optical shop) is key.
Three highest-leverage actions: (1) Target ASC ownership - cataract and retina procedures in ASCs generate significant facility fees. (2) Build cataract volume and add premium IOL offerings (cash-pay upgrade). (3) Retina fellowship provides the highest absolute income among ophthalmology subspecialties. Use the PhysicianWealth Salary Benchmark for a personalized comparison.
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