Purpose: To identify and describe the most relevant obstacles to carrying out ophthalmic research in Germany.
Methods: Two research methods were used to assess current problems in ophthalmic research. First, 55 expert interviews were conducted with major stakeholders in ophthalmic research, and key problems were identified. An online questionnaire was then sent to 3,080 German ophthalmologists, of whom 927 responded by evaluating the current research situation within ophthalmology in Germany. We devised a score to rank areas of concern by multiplying the responders' rate, ranging between -3 ('I disagree completely') and +3 ('I fully agree'), with the percentage of response frequencies. The maximum possible score was 300.
Results: The lack of opportunities to combine clinical work and research (score: 231.8) as well as unattractive career perspectives (175.7) were identified as the most relevant problems. Further barriers were difficulties in acquiring research funds (155.7), organizational problems at the local level (143.7) and a lack of support for women (24.1; among women: 122.3). Potential improvement was expected in particular from exemption from clinical work for scientific purposes; this was found to be more appealing than more prestigious awards for research achievements. A widely held position was that research projects should focus more closely on common eye diseases, and that vision research needs a more prominent profile among politicians and in the public arena.
Conclusion: Our findings may help to initiate improvements in both research performance and outcomes.