It's normal to have doubts when choosing which area of Medicine to pursue after graduation.
However, it's important to keep in mind that this decision should consider your professional profile, skills, and field of work.
If, after conducting this self-analysis, you realize that you want to pursue a career in Ophthalmology,
It is also important that your interests align with your expectations and the average salary in your chosen field.
In this article, you will understand if Ophthalmology is the right career path for you and what the average financial return is in this field.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
In general, an ophthalmologist is responsible for the care and treatment of conditions related to ophthalmology. Some examples include:
- Glaucoma;
- Cataract;
- Myopia;
- Retinopathy;
To do this, the professional must perform an assessment of visual acuity, pupillary reflex, and fundus examination, among other tests, which can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the patient's needs.
Based on this information and the identification of the patient's clinical condition, the ophthalmologist can then proceed with treatment by prescribing eyeglasses and corrective lenses, using lubricating eye drops, or planning a surgical procedure.
And of course, an ophthalmologist can perform surgery on their patients when necessary.
What is the salary of an ophthalmologist?
According to the website salario.com.br and data from Novo Caged, today, an Ophthalmologist can earn around R$7,222.06.
This average salary is calculated based on information about the base salary registered in employment contracts and work records across the country, but to have a clearer view of the economic income of an Ophthalmologist, it is important to consider variables such as region, segment, and the professional's level of experience.
Does the region influence how much an ophthalmologist earns?
According to information from the portal salario.com and data from Novo Caged, the salary of an Ophthalmologist can vary between R$7,024.82 and R$13,742.18 per month for a work week of up to 24 hours.
In São Paulo, the average salary of an ophthalmologist reaches R$15,176.99.
Meanwhile, Fortaleza has an average salary of R$9,919.23.
Does the segment influence an ophthalmologist's salary?
Besides the region, another factor that also influences an ophthalmologist's salary is the segment in which they work.
For professionals working in emergency room settings or hospital units providing urgent care, the average salary reaches R$5,376.08.
For professionals working in outpatient medical practice, with resources to perform surgical procedures, the salary can reach up to R$24,851.00.
But this can also vary depending on the sector and the type of contract the professional chooses.
Does professional experience level influence an ophthalmologist's salary?
Another factor to consider when determining an ophthalmologist's salary is their experience.
A newly graduated ophthalmologist, for example, can earn, on average, R$3,600.00 per month for 12 hours of work per week.
An experienced professional can have a monthly income exceeding R$10,000.00, with a 20-hour work week.
Keep in mind that these figures do not include hazard pay, unhealthy working conditions pay, or night shift pay.
Postgraduate Studies in Ophthalmology
Now that you know that Ophthalmology is the field for you, and your expectations are aligned with the average market salary, let's talk a little about postgraduate studies in Ophthalmology.
Postgraduate studies offer an alternative to traditional medical residency, combining practical experience with a solid theoretical foundation in up-to-date and innovative content.
Click here to learn about our postgraduate options!
