Understanding Ophthalmology Data on Sunlight Ledger

What Ophthalmologists Do

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. They diagnose and treat conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can perform surgery. Many subspecialize in the retina, cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, or pediatric eye disease.

Ophthalmology is one of the highest-volume surgical specialties in Medicare, driven largely by cataract surgery in an aging population.

Common Procedures in Medicare Data

  • Cataract extraction with lens implantation — The most common elective surgery among Medicare beneficiaries
  • Intravitreal injections — Injections into the eye for macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion; often performed monthly
  • Laser photocoagulation — Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy
  • Glaucoma procedures — Laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, and drainage device implantation
  • Retinal detachment repair — Scleral buckle, vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy
  • Comprehensive eye exams — Covered by Medicare for diabetic patients and those with specific conditions

What Normal Volume Looks Like

Retinal specialists who administer intravitreal injections can have extremely high procedure counts — a busy retina practice may perform thousands of injections per year because patients with macular degeneration return monthly. Cataract surgeons also accumulate high annual volumes. High counts in ophthalmology are expected for active procedural practices.

Pharma and Device Payments

Ophthalmology sees significant payments from pharmaceutical companies marketing anti-VEGF drugs for retinal conditions — medications that are among the most frequently administered in all of medicine. Device companies making intraocular lenses and surgical equipment also pay surgeons for consulting and training. A retina specialist with payments from anti-VEGF drug manufacturers is common; understanding which specific drug relationships exist is the relevant question.

Questions to Ask Your Ophthalmologist

  • How many of this surgery or procedure do you perform per year?
  • Do you have financial relationships with the lens manufacturer or drug company associated with my treatment?
  • For ongoing injections: are there alternative drugs or extended-dosing regimens that would reduce the frequency of my visits?
Data Disclaimer — Data sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), Open Payments program, Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data, and Provider Enrollment & Certification data (PECOS). Published under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by CMS, HHS, or the U.S. Government. Data may contain errors as reported to CMS by providers and reporting entities. Industry payment disclosure alone establishes neither wrongdoing nor legality. Medicare data reflects only patients aged 65+ or those with qualifying disabilities. For corrections, contact CMS directly. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a healthcare provider. Procedure descriptions use plain language and do not reference CPT® codes, which are copyrighted by the American Medical Association. Full methodology → · Report a data error → · Privacy policy →