P-16 Motivations and barriers for women pursuing a career in vision science [Abstract]

Terry, Louise ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6200-8230, Liddamore, Isabel and Rountree, Lindsay 2026. P-16 Motivations and barriers for women pursuing a career in vision science [Abstract]. BMJ Open Ophthalmology 11 (S3) , p. A8. 10.1136/bmjophth-2026-wvuk.21

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Abstract

Background Gender disparities persist in the workforce, with underrepresentation of women being more evident in senior positions. This is particularly striking in vision careers, where 62% of optometrists and 42% of ophthalmologists in the UK are women, yet women only comprise 36% of the consultant ophthalmology workforce, and only ~20% of vision science professorships. To strive towards gender equity at all career stages, it is critical to understand the barriers and motivators experienced. Methods At the 2024 Women in Vision UK (WVUK) annual meeting, delegates (n=22) listed potential barriers and motivators to pursuing and advancing in vision science careers. These were compiled, and underwent thematic analysis, to populate an online survey. Respondents selected factors they had personally experienced, and which they believe would have the greatest impact on career choices. This survey was distributed to delegates at the conference (n=24 responses), and to the wider membership of the WVUK network (n=25 further responses). Results Amongst women (comprising 98% of respondents), the most experienced motivators included positive impact on patients (90% of respondents; which doubled as the most impactful), and interest/passion for the subject (77%). Imposter syndrome was the most experienced barrier (77%), followed by feeling under-appreciated (60%), the competitive/demotivating nature of the work (56%), and financial barriers (58%; doubling as the most impactful). Conclusion Whilst factors behind career choices differ between individuals, there was substantial commonality in experienced barriers and motivators. These commonly experienced factors should be considered when designing initiatives to promote gender equity in vision science.

Item Type:	Short Communication
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Optometry and Vision Sciences
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2026 11:01
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190374

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