The Role of Physician Assistants in Ophthalmology: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Physician assistants (PAs) are trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to assess, diagnose, and treat patients across various specialties. While their role is well-established in many areas of medicine, the responsibilities of PAs within ophthalmology remain underexplored and unclear. Objective: This literature review examines the role of PAs in ophthalmology in North America. The objective is to identify and analyze primary research that explores their clinical responsibilities, integration into ophthalmic care teams, and the outcomes associated with their involvement. Methods: A structured search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Mesh terms and key words related to physician assistants and ophthalmology were used to identify relevant primary research articles, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. These studies focused on the practice of PAs in ophthalmology within the United States. Key findings centered around four main themes: the scope of PA roles, the integration into ophthalmic practice and the facilitations and limitations of PAs in practice. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that PAs in ophthalmology contribute positively to both patient care and physician support. However, current research is limited and primarily focuses on their role within the United States. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact, scope, and potential of PAs in ophthalmology - particularly to explore how their role could be expanded and integrated within the Canadian healthcare system.