Looking for freelance or contract work as a ophthalmologist in Michigan? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, Michigan offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.
Ophthalmologists review medical records, provide expert opinions on standard of care in eye-related cases, and testify in court or depositions. Work focuses on litigation support for plaintiff or defense attorneys involving ophthalmology malpractice or injury claims. Assignments are project-based, often involving report writing and court appearances.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: MI auto no-fault system creates unique ophthalmology IME/expert demand; Detroit area highest volume; Trial testimony $475-550/hr; Deposition $375-475/hr; Case review $300-400/hr; Auto no-fault cases common
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Ophthalmologists perform impartial exams to assess eye injuries or conditions for insurance claims, disability evaluations, or legal purposes. Involves detailed reports on causation, impairment, and prognosis based on physical exams and record reviews. Assignments are typically one-off or low-volume per case.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($3,000-$10,000/year)
Michigan notes: MI auto insurance no-fault law historically drives extremely high IME demand; Detroit area highest volume; Standard ophthalmic IME ~$2,700-3,100; Hourly equivalent ~$415-500/hr; Auto no-fault IMEs high volume
Typical start timeline: 1-4 weeks
Ophthalmologists advise pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, or healthcare organizations on eye care products, protocols, and market strategies. Participation in advisory boards involves meetings to discuss clinical insights, research, or policy. Work emphasizes expertise in ophthalmology trends and innovations.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: University of Michigan/Kellogg Eye Center creates research-driven consulting pipeline; Midwest rates; Pharma advisory boards $275-425/hr; Expert networks $165-375/hr; Kellogg Eye Center (U-M) KOL premium
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
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.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan 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.
Ophthalmologists provide temporary clinical and surgical coverage at healthcare facilities in Michigan to fill staffing shortages. Work involves patient consultations, eye exams, treatments, and procedures like cataract surgery on a short-term or per diem basis. Assignments vary in duration from days to months, allowing flexibility across different locations.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
Michigan notes: Detroit metro standard rates; Rural northern MI/UP +25-35% premium; MI ranked #8 highest locum pay state; Retina/Vitreoretinal $195-270/hr; Comprehensive $155-215/hr; Michigan in top 10 highest-paying locum states
Typical start timeline: 6-12 weeks
Ophthalmologists conduct remote consultations, image reviews, and follow-ups for patients with eye conditions via video or digital platforms. Work includes diagnosing via tele-ophthalmology tools, prescribing treatments, and coordinating care without in-person visits. Focuses on triage, chronic management, and second opinions.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($5,000-$15,000/year)
Michigan notes: No geographic variation (remote); Upper Peninsula highly underserved; Diabetic retinopathy screening $85-120/hr; Specialty tele-consults $120-165/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-6 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for ophthalmologists in Michigan?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($300-$550/hr), Independent Medical Exams (IME) ($300-$500/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr).
Q: Which freelance options for ophthalmologists don't require malpractice insurance?
A: 3 options don't require malpractice insurance: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($300-$550/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr).
Q: Can ophthalmologists work remotely in Michigan?
A: Yes, 5 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($300-$550/hr), Independent Medical Exams (IME) ($300-$500/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($165-$425/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr), Telemedicine / Tele-Ophthalmology ($85-$165/hr).
Q: What Michigan license do ophthalmologists need for freelance work?
A: An active Michigan license from Michigan Board of Medicine 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 2-4 weeks, while Independent Medical Exams (IME) typically takes 1-4 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 4-8 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.
Folio connects Michigan 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.
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Questions? Email experts@folioworks.com
