Looking for freelance or contract work as a ophthalmologist in New York? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, New York 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 legal proceedings. Work involves preparing reports and consulting with attorneys on malpractice or injury lawsuits involving vision. Assignments are project-based with preparation for depositions or trials.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: NYC premium for medical malpractice market (highest litigation density in US); Upstate rates 10-15% lower; Trial testimony $500-700/hr; Deposition $450-600/hr; Case review $350-500/hr; High-profile cases $700+/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-6 weeks
Ophthalmologists advise healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or device manufacturers on clinical practices, product development, or policy. Participation in advisory boards involves meetings to discuss innovations in eye care treatments or market strategies. Consulting may include strategic planning for ophthalmology services.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: NYC is pharma/biotech hub; proximity to headquarters drives premium advisory opportunities; Pharma KOL advisory $350-500/hr; Expert networks $200-500/hr; Biotech startup advisory $200-400/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-12 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
New York 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.
As Principal Investigator (PI) or Sub-Investigator (Sub-I), ophthalmologists oversee clinical trials for eye disease treatments, manage patient enrollment, and ensure protocol compliance. Responsibilities include data collection, adverse event monitoring, and regulatory reporting for studies in New York sites. Work supplements clinical practice with research focus.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
New York notes: NYC academic medical centers have highest trial volume; Industry payments to ophthalmologists median $49K/yr research; Industry-sponsored PI compensation $150-350/hr effective rate; Per-patient fees vary by trial complexity; Sub-investigator $100-200/hr
Typical start timeline: 8-16 weeks
Ophthalmologists provide temporary outpatient clinic coverage at facilities across New York, typically working 2-3 weeks per month or on a per diem basis. Duties include general ophthalmology patient care, seeing 25-30 patients daily without call responsibilities. Assignments fill staffing gaps during vacations or hiring periods.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
New York notes: NYC metro +15-20% premium; Upstate/rural NY +20-30% premium for scarcity; Long Island mid-range; Retina/Vitreoretinal $200-300/hr; Comprehensive $175-220/hr; Pediatric Ophthalmology $220-280/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
Ophthalmologists conduct remote consultations for patient eye exams, follow-ups, and triage via video platforms. Services include reviewing images, prescribing treatments, and managing chronic conditions without in-person visits. Ideal for expanding access in underserved New York areas.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($5,000-$15,000/year)
New York notes: No geographic variation (remote); NY telehealth regulations among most permissive post-COVID; Diabetic retinopathy reads $100-150/hr; Specialty tele-consults $150-200/hr; Asynchronous image review $100-130/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for ophthalmologists in New York?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($350-$700/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($200-$500/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/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 ($350-$700/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($200-$500/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr). This can save $20-$50K annually compared to options requiring coverage.
Q: Can ophthalmologists work remotely in New York?
A: Yes, 5 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($350-$700/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($200-$500/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr), Clinical Research (PI / Sub-I) ($150-$350/hr), Telemedicine / Tele-Ophthalmology ($100-$200/hr).
Q: What New York license do ophthalmologists need for freelance work?
A: An active New York license from New York State Education Department Office of the Professions 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 2-6 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 4-12 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.
Folio connects New York 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
