Compare high-paying freelance options for Georgia ophthalmologists: locums, telemedicine, AI training, consulting. Real pay ranges, requirements, and how to start.

TL;DR

Looking for freelance or contract work as a ophthalmologist in Georgia? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, Georgia offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.

1.

Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting

$275-$525/hr

What You'll Do

Ophthalmologists provide expert testimony and medical opinions in legal cases involving eye care disputes, malpractice claims, or medical negligence. Work involves case review, report writing, and potential courtroom testimony.

Requirements

  • Active Georgia medical license
  • Board Certification in Ophthalmology
  • Minimum 5-10 years clinical experience
  • Strong professional reputation and credentials

Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($2,000-$5,000/year for expert witness coverage)

Where to Find Work

  • SEAK 2024 Fee Study, Expert Institute, PhysicianSideGigs

Georgia notes: Atlanta metro has active litigation market; Southern GA rates slightly lower; Trial testimony $450-525/hr; Deposition $375-475/hr; Case review $275-400/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks

2.

Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards

$165-$425/hr

What You'll Do

Ophthalmologists serve as clinical advisors to healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or medical device manufacturers, providing expertise on treatment protocols, product development, and clinical strategy. Work involves meetings, strategy sessions, and advisory board participation.

Requirements

  • Active Georgia medical license
  • Board Certification in Ophthalmology
  • Minimum 5+ years clinical experience
  • Expertise in specific ophthalmology subspecialties (optional but preferred)

Malpractice Insurance: No

Where to Find Work

  • GLG, AlphaSights, Guidepoint, PhysicianSideGigs

Georgia notes: Atlanta CDC/Emory connections drive some unique consulting opportunities; Southeast rates slightly below Northeast; Pharma advisory boards $275-425/hr; Expert networks $165-375/hr; CDC proximity in Atlanta creates public health consulting
Typical start timeline: 6-12 weeks

3.

AI Training & Annotation

$70-$380/hr

What You'll Do

Healthcare AI companies hire ophthalmologist professionals to review, annotate, and validate training data for medical AI systems. Work involves ophthalmic imaging ai training — tasks like retinal image annotation, oct interpretation, glaucoma detection.

Requirements

  • Active clinical background in ophthalmologist
  • No malpractice insurance needed
  • Computer with reliable internet

Malpractice Insurance: No

Where to Find Work

  • Folio (folioworks.com)
  • Centaur Labs
  • Appen
  • Labelbox

Georgia notes: Fully remote — available regardless of state. Pay based on specialty expertise, not location.
Typical start timeline: 1-2 weeks

Getting started: Join the expert community and make a free profile on Folio to browse current ophthalmologist AI training projects.

4.

Locum Tenens / Per Diem

$140-$245/hr

What You'll Do

Temporary ophthalmology positions covering call shifts, trauma cases, and clinic obligations at healthcare facilities. Ophthalmologists work on a flexible schedule basis, typically handling cataract surgeries, YAG laser procedures, and retinal detachments without permanent employment commitments.

Requirements

  • Active Georgia medical license
  • Board Certified or Board Eligible in Ophthalmology
  • Medical degree (MD/DO)
  • Valid malpractice insurance or willingness to obtain

Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer

Where to Find Work

  • All Star Healthcare

Georgia notes: Atlanta metro standard rates; Rural south GA +20-30% premium; Southeast demand strong per Locumstory; Retina/Vitreoretinal $180-245/hr; Comprehensive $140-200/hr; Trauma call at Level I centers (Atlanta) daily + hourly
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks

5.

Telemedicine / Tele-Ophthalmology

$85-$165/hr

What You'll Do

Remote ophthalmology consultations and follow-up care delivery through digital platforms, including virtual patient assessments, prescription management, and clinical guidance. Ophthalmologists conduct patient evaluations and provide recommendations without in-person examination.

Requirements

  • Active Georgia medical license
  • Board Certification in Ophthalmology
  • Telemedicine platform training and credentialing
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection

Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer

Where to Find Work

  • Sermo, PhysicianSideGigs, various platforms

Georgia notes: No geographic variation (remote); Rural GA significantly underserved; Diabetic retinopathy screening $85-120/hr; Specialty tele-consults $120-165/hr
Typical start timeline: 3-6 weeks

Common Questions People Ask

Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for ophthalmologists in Georgia?

A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($275-$525/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr).

Q: Which freelance options for ophthalmologists don't require malpractice insurance?

A: 2 options don't require malpractice insurance: Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr).

Q: Can ophthalmologists work remotely in Georgia?

A: Yes, 4 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($275-$525/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr), Telemedicine / Tele-Ophthalmology ($85-$165/hr).

Q: What Georgia license do ophthalmologists need for freelance work?

A: An active Georgia license from Georgia Composite Medical Board is required for most clinical freelance options.

Q: How quickly can ophthalmologists start freelance work?

A: Timeline varies by option: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting typically takes 4-8 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 6-12 weeks, while AI Training & Annotation typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Q: What's the pay range for ophthalmologists doing AI training work?

A: AI training pays $70-$380/hour for ophthalmologists, varying by experience level and project complexity. No malpractice insurance required.

Getting Started with AI Training

Folio connects Georgia ophthalmologists with frontier research labs and healthcare AI companies looking for clinical expertise. The platform vets AI companies for project quality, handles contracting and payment, and matches projects to your area of expertise.

Typical timeline:
- Application: 3 minutes
- Credential review: 2-3 business days
- Platform orientation: 1 hour
- First project: 3-7 days from application

Current project focus (February 2026): Retinal image annotation, OCT interpretation, glaucoma detection

Most ophthalmologists start with 5-10 hours weekly, then scale based on preference. No minimum commitment.

Explore AI Training Opportunities

Questions? Email experts@folioworks.com

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Frequently asked questions

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Do I need malpractice insurance for freelance ophthalmologist work in Georgia?
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How do I get started with freelance ophthalmologist work in Georgia?