An ophthalmologist provides medical and surgical care for eye diseases and visual disorders. These physicians perform comprehensive eye evaluations, diagnose ocular conditions, prescribe optical corrections, and conduct eye surgery.
Ophthalmologists complete medical school, a one-year internship, and a three-year ophthalmology residency. Many pursue subspecialty fellowship training in retinal disease, glaucoma management, corneal surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, or oculoplastic procedures.
An Ophthalmologist's practice activities include:
- Focuses on ocular structures including retinal tissue, corneal surfaces, and optic pathways
- Conducts complete eye evaluations, diagnoses ocular pathology, prescribes optical devices and medications, performs ocular surgery
- Treats lens opacities, intraocular pressure disorders, retinal degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal separation, and corneal pathology
- Performs operative procedures (lens replacement, refractive surgery, vitreoretinal operations), laser interventions, intraocular injections, and pharmacotherapy
- Also called: eye specialist, ophthalmic physician, MD, DO