Analyzing the cost of ophthalmology research conference attendance by medical students in the United States

Purpose: To analyze the average cost of attending ophthalmology research conferences as a medical student and to describe available funding opportunities. Methods: Data from national ophthalmology conferences in the United States from August 2023 to August 2024 were gathered using publicly available records. Collected variables included conference registration cost, discounted conference hotel rates, and conference funding opportunities for medical students. Costs for average airfare, ground transportation, and meals for each conference were also calculated. Results: A total of 22 conferences met the inclusion criteria. The average total cost of attendance per conference was US$1,399.31, which included student registration fees, discounted conference hotel fare, airfare, ground transportation, and meal expenses. Five (22.7%) conferences offered free registration for all medical students. Registration fees ranged from US$75 to US$580, with an average cost of US$230.45. Seven conferences (31.8 %) offered at least 1 medical student conference travel grant, ranging from US$200 to US$2,000 per recipient. The average total cost of attendance for the 7 conferences with available grants was US$370.23 per conference, which was 74% less expensive than the average cost per conference in the cohort without student funding. Conclusions: Research conferences present valuable opportunities for medical students. Conference attendance is costly, and expensive registration fees introduce a potential barrier to career advancement for prospective ophthalmologists, especially for students from low-income and minority backgrounds. It is important for the field of ophthalmology to promote inclusion and increase opportunities for trainees. Increased funding for students, discounted fees, and virtual attendance options are potential solutions for improving access to ophthalmology research events.