Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in all areas of eye and vision care. They deal with ophthalmology, a branch of medicine that specializes in the anatomy of the eye and study diseases related to it. Their job includes simple tasks such as prescribing contact lenses or glasses, to more serious functions like performing delicate eye and laser surgeries. They use both surgical and non invasive methods to cure or manage eye problems. Some ophthalmologists also scientifically research various eye problems, their causes, preventions and cures.
Difference between an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist and Optician
An ophthalmologist is different from an optometrist and an optician. An optometrist diagnoses and corrects visual problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness, cataracts and a serious disease called glaucoma, while an optician designs eye glasses or contacts, and make sure they fit correctly. An ophthalmologist is usually licensed and can perform surgery, while an optometrist has completed a graduate degree and can prescribe glasses or lenses, but is not trained or licensed to perform surgical methods to correct eyesight or vision.
Education and Training
Becoming an ophthalmologist takes about 10 to 12 years of study and training, which is typically broken up as follows.
Every student must complete four years of medical school and one year of internship in the relevant field. Then there has to be three years of residency in the ophthalmology ward. Training in all areas of eye care such as diagnosis, prevention and cure using surgical and non surgical techniques is provided during residency. For further specialization an additional two to three years in a sub specialty of eye care is also required.
Sub Specialties
The vast spectrum of eye care has certain subspecialties that deal with different diseases. An ophthalmologist can have either a generalized practice or practice a particular specialty. Some of the subspecialties of ophthalmology are:
Glaucoma
This subspecialty involves the treatment of disorders that may increase intraocular pressure and cause optic nerve damage of pediatric and adult patients. Using a tanometer to measure fluid pressure in the eye, this disease that can lead to blindness can be prevented by treatment with drugs if diagnosed early.
Cornea
This subspecialty includes diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera and eyelids. Training in this delicate field includes transplant surgery and surgery to correct refractive errors.
Ophthalmic Pathology
An ophthalmic pathologist obtains rigorous training first in ophthalmology, then pathology. This complex subspecialty requires special skills by the ophthalmic pathologist instead of the general pathologist to examine tissue specimens from the eye and adnexa.
Pediatric Ophthalmology
This specialty includes surgical and medical management of amblyopia, strabismus, genetic abnormalities and other neoplastic and traumatic conditions that occur in the first two years of life. Ocular manifestations of systematic disorders are also dealt with under this subspecialty.
Vitreoretinal Diseases
It includes surgical and medical treatment of different retinal and vitreoretinal abnormalities and diseases. Diagnosis includes interpretation of ultrasound, electro physiology and angiography, while treatments includes retinal detachment surgery, laser therapy and vitrectomy, where the vitreous is removed.
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons specialize in performing oculofacial plastic surgery, where periocular and orbital surgery are combined with facial plastic surgery. These specialized surgeons perform eyelid surgery, facial plastic surgery, lacrimal surgery and orbital surgery.
Anterior Segment
This subspecialty deals with the management and treatment of diseases and disorders related to the iris, cornea and lens.
Neuro Ophthalmology
Generally practiced as a non surgical subspecialty, Neuro Ophthalmology deals with diseases affecting visual pathways and optic nerve.
Ophthalmologists can also diagnose eye cancers like ocular melanoma.
Certification
A certified Eye M.D. has to pass a challenging two part examination that accesses his knowledge and skills and is designed by the Board of Ophthalmology in his country.
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