The Residency Report: Social media and the modern ophthalmologist

In this installment of “The Residency Report,” a collaboration between New York University (NYU) Department of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Times, PGY-3 resident Galen Hu, MD, moderated a discussion with Andrea Blitzer, MD, and guest Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, on the evolving role of social media in ophthalmic practice. Blitzer is an assistant professor and a cornea specialist with NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She is also the associate program director of the residency program.

The discussion centered on Alfonso’s 2020 publication titled, Social Media in Ophthalmology: An Analysis of Use in the Professional Sphere.¹ Alfonso is director of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; chair of the Department of Ophthalmology with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Miami, Florida; chief of Ophthalmology Service at Jackson Health System; and the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Endowed Professor in Ophthalmology.

Hu introduced the study, noting that it surveyed University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute alumni via listserv over 4 weeks in January 2020.¹ Among 160 respondents, 71.9% reported personal social-media use, and 38% used social media professionally.¹ The most common platforms were Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.¹ “Private practice in any capacity was associated with greater social media use in a professional sense, more so than academic or VA practice,” Hu summarized.¹ Physicians over age 40 were less likely to engage professionally online, and the “top reason for professional accounts is to publicize one's practice,” he noted.¹ Yet, only 31% reported a positive impact of social media on their practice, while 58% described a neutral impact.¹

Reflecting on changes since the paper’s publication, Hu observed that “a lot has changed since then, especially since January of 2020. There's the pandemic, there's TikTok, and also a rapid rise in influencer culture.” Alfonso agreed, emphasizing the need to track the medium’s “continued evolution in our professional sphere.” He explained, “We know that in the personal sphere, social media is here… but on the professional side, the different aspects of what we use social media for is really a point of discussion.”

The conversation turned toward misinformation and professional responsibility. Hu asked whether ophthalmologists have “an obligation to meet [patients] where we are,” given that many now turn to social media for health information. Alfonso responded, “There is a fear, but I think we should remove the word fear… and embrace it because it's a reality.” He cited the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) efforts² to guide patients toward reliable sources and cautioned against “pseudo experts… providing false news.”

The panel also addressed professionalism online. Hu referenced the AAO’s advisory opinion emphasizing competence, usefulness, and confidentiality.² Alfonso underscored that “the ethical standards are something that are tenets of our profession,” and that social media “stands the same test” as the exam room: physicians themselves must uphold standards. He cautioned against outsourcing online presence to third parties, as doing so risks “conflict of interest” and loss of oversight.

Concluding the discussion, Blitzer noted the field’s transition “from self-promotion to this educational role,” adding, “if it's going to be education, who better to do it than us right away.”

REFERENCES

1. Al-Khersan H, Lazzarini TA, Fan KC, et al. Social media in ophthalmology: An analysis of use in the professional sphere. Health Informatics J. 2020;26(4):2967-2975. doi:10.1177/1460458220954610

2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Advisory Opinion - Social Media and Professionalism. February 11, 2023. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.aao.org/education/ethics-detail/advisory-opinion-social-media-professionalism