Eye Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia - Ophthamologist

How is an ophthamologist trained?
What is special about an ophthamologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual systems. Some ophthalmologists also provide routine vision care services including prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to do ocular surgery, including surgery for the removal of cataracts and the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

How is an ophthalmologist trained?

An ophthalmologist has completed four or more years of premedical college education, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and a minimum of three years of specialized hospital-based training in the diagnosis and treatment (medical and surgical) of eye disorders. Many complete one or two additional years of fellowship training in a particular specialty such as cornea or retina.

To be board certified, an ophthalmologist must pass a two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology, covering all aspects of medical and surgical eye care. The examination is voluntary, and board certification is not required to practice ophthalmology.

What is special about an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is the only eye care professional trained as a medical doctor. Optometrists are doctors of optometry (OD), trained and licensed to diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision disorders, but are not licensed to do surgery. They may, however, work with an ophthalmologist to provide pre- and postoperative care to surgery patients. Optometrists generally provide routine vision care services, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and treat certain eye diseases within limits specified under state law. Opticians manufacture and dispense eyeglasses but do not perform eye exams or treat any eye diseases.