ASOPRS oculofacial surgeon practice distribution and neighborhood deprivation

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between the distribution of active American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) oculofacial surgeons in the United States and the socioeconomic characteristics of their practice locations, as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, active ASOPRS oculofacial surgeons in the United States were identified using the Oculofacial Society surgeon directory. Data on physician demographics, career stage, and practice type and location were compiled from publicly available sources. The ADI was extracted for each practice address. Chi-squared testing was performed for qualitative analysis. Results: Overall, 580 physician addresses had obtainable state and national ADI values. The average ADI state decile was 3.5 and average national percentile was 29.9. The majority of surgeons (58.4%) practiced within the first state decile and national percentile quartile (i.e., the lowest socioeconomic disadvantage). Practice locations in 41 states had average state decile values categorized as “low”, while practice locations in 36 states had average national percentile values categorized as “low.” There was no statistically significant difference between male and female presence, career stage, and practice type in low versus high ADI areas. Conclusion: The majority of ASOPRS oculofacial surgeons practice in neighborhoods with less socioeconomic disadvantage, as indicated by lower ADI state deciles and national percentiles, potentially contributing to healthcare disparities. Further research is warranted to understand other factors that may contribute to the ADI distribution of physicians and the role of ADI in pinpointing health care inequities.