The forecast for practising physicians in ophthalmology in the UK shows a steady upward trend from 2024 to 2028, with numbers growing from 3.62 thousand to 3.7 thousand. Compared to the previous period, this projection indicates a consistent but slight increase at an approximate rate of 0.55% year-on-year. This reflects a modest increase over the years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.55% from 2024 to 2028. For context, in 2023, there were about 3.6 thousand practising physicians in ophthalmology in the UK.

Future trends to watch for in ophthalmology include:

Continued demand due to an aging population requiring more eye care services.
Technological advancements offering new opportunities for growth in ophthalmic treatments and procedures.
Potential challenges from budget constraints and healthcare policy changes affecting workforce expansion.