Looking for freelance or contract work as a ophthalmologist in Pennsylvania? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, Pennsylvania offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.
Ophthalmologists provide expert testimony and medical opinions in legal cases involving eye care, malpractice claims, or personal injury matters. Work involves case review, report writing, deposition testimony, and courtroom appearances.
Malpractice Insurance: No (professional liability insurance recommended separately)
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia has active med-mal market; Pittsburgh rates comparable; No significant rural variation; Trial testimony $500-600/hr; Deposition $400-500/hr; Case review $300-450/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
Ophthalmologists advise pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare systems, or consulting firms on clinical matters, product development, market strategy, and healthcare policy. Work involves meetings, strategy sessions, and written recommendations.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia is major pharma hub (proximity to company HQs); Drives consulting demand; Pharma advisory boards $300-450/hr; Expert networks $175-400/hr; Philadelphia pharma corridor premium
Typical start timeline: 3-6 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
Pennsylvania 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.
Temporary physician positions filling short-term staffing needs at healthcare facilities, typically ranging from weekend assignments to several weeks or months. Ophthalmologists provide clinical care in outpatient or hospital settings while maintaining flexibility in scheduling and location.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
Pennsylvania notes: Philadelphia metro standard; Pittsburgh slightly lower; Rural PA +20-30% premium; PA ranked high for hospital density; Retina/Vitreoretinal $180-250/hr; Comprehensive $150-200/hr; Oculoplastics $175-250/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Ophthalmologists provide remote clinical consultations, second opinions, and follow-up care through digital platforms and video conferencing. Work may include reviewing patient records, conducting virtual examinations, and providing recommendations for in-person care.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
Pennsylvania notes: No geographic variation (remote); Large rural PA population drives screening demand; Diabetic retinopathy screening $90-130/hr; Specialty tele-consults $130-180/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for ophthalmologists in Pennsylvania?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($300-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($175-$450/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 ($300-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($175-$450/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr). This can save $20-$50K annually compared to options requiring coverage.
Q: Can ophthalmologists work remotely in Pennsylvania?
A: Yes, 4 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($300-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($175-$450/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($70-$380/hr), Telemedicine / Tele-Ophthalmology ($90-$180/hr).
Q: What Pennsylvania license do ophthalmologists need for freelance work?
A: An active Pennsylvania license from Pennsylvania State 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 4-8 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 3-6 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 Pennsylvania 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
