The private practice ophthalmologist generally has more flexibility and autonomy to decide their individual scope of practice, malpractice, clinic schedule, and vacation times, business practices and policies, and administrative structure (e.g., human resources, hiring and firing staff, physical plant, equipment).

He or she can generally control the case mix and call schedule that best meets their individual scheduling needs. In addition, private practice doctors typically have more control of their leisure time, and benefit packages.