Job satisfaction amongst Nigerian ophthalmologists: an exploratory study

AIM This study aimed to assess job satisfaction amongst Nigerian ophthalmologists. METHODS The study was conducted during the annual congress of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria in September 2008. One hundred and ten ophthalmologists were selected by simple random sampling and asked to complete a structured questionnaire. RESULTS The response rate was 73%. The resulting sample comprised of 48 consultants (60%), four diplomates (5%), and 28 residents (35%). Most respondents 62 (78.5%) were satisfied with their job as ophthalmologists and 17 (21.5%) were not satisfied. Only 12 (15.4%) were satisfied with their remuneration and 42 (53.2%) were satisfied with their skill. Most respondents (75.6%) expressed readiness to pursue a career in ophthalmology if they were to make a choice again. CONCLUSION Most respondents were satisfied with their job, but only minorities were satisfied with their remuneration. Therefore, there is a need to address the issue of enhancement of remuneration for ophthalmologists in Nigeria.