5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  As of 2024, only 42.2% of US physicians are in private practice, down from 60% in 2012, while ophthalmology remains relatively independent at 70.4%.

• 2

  Private equity firms have acquired 245 ophthalmology practices between 2012 and 2021, attracted by high patient volume and lucrative cash-pay procedures.

• 3

  Physicians in private equity practices face less administrative burden but may sacrifice autonomy and patient care quality due to financial pressures.

• 4

  Independent practices allow for quicker decision-making and stronger community ties, while private equity models offer operational support for work-life balance.

• 5

  Insurance companies often favor larger practices, making it challenging for independent ophthalmology practices to secure contracts and maintain profitability.