An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who deals exclusively with the eye, visual passageways and parts around the eye such as eyelids and lacrimal system. Ophthalmologists perform both surgical operations and diagnose medical problems without operating.
Ophthalmologists perform functions as simple as checking eyesight to prescribe lenses or eyeglasses to more complex ones such as treating eye diseases and performing eye surgeries. Some ophthalmologists specialize in a particular part of the eye such as cornea, lens or retina, while others like Pediatric Ophthalmologists focus on a certain age group, like treating eye problems in small children.
History of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology as a practiced science dates back to hundreds of years ago. The eye has always been revered as an important part of the body that sends input to the brain, and eyesight deprivation has always been considered a major problem, since the economic and social status of a blind or poorly sighted person is greatly affected.
Sushruta is known today as the first Indian cataract surgeon who described around 72 occular diseases and various ophthalmologic surgical instruments in the 5th Century B.C.
Arab scientists are also among the earliest to have drawn attention to the eyes, with detailed diagrams and descriptions of the anatomy of this part of the body and various diseases associated with it.
Evidence shows that the eye has been a major source of fascination and thoroughly investigated and studied from the Alexandrian times to the Modern Age.
The first ophthalmic surgeon in Great Britain was John Freke, and the first hospital dedicated purely to performing ophthalmologic surgeries was established in 1805.
Subspecialties in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, like other fields of medicine, has certain subspecialties, although some ophthalmologists prefer to remain generalized. These are
•Corneal diseases
•Retinal and vitroretinal diseases
•Ophthalmologic plastic surgery
•Pediatric Ophthalmology
•Oncology
Professional Requirements
In order to become an ophthalmologist, you have to complete medical school with postgraduate training for four years. Many ophthalmologists also specialize in one particular area and get training accordingly. However, the professional training requirements differ in countries. Some of these are:
•In Finland, physicians who want to become Ophthalmologists must have at least five years of specialization in both theoretical studies and practical training.
•In Germany, physicians must specialize for five years in practical training alone.
•In countries such as New Zealand and Australia, FRANZCO or FRANCO is similar to the postgraduate qualification. Those physicians who have trained in the United Kingdom with a CCT or CCST are easily accepted.
•There are 3 colleges in the UK that grant ophthalmology degrees. Work experience as a registrar along with one of these degrees is required for specialization.
•In Ireland, one college grants FRCSI.
•In Canada, residency for at least five years is undertaken after an M.D. degree. Although there are over 25 vacancies for training in Ophthalmology every year, not all FRCSC graduates undergo specialty training.
•At least four years residency is required is required in the United States. Fellowships in specialized topics can also be followed for a few years after residency. Physicians trained in Ophthalmology sometimes have a Doctor of Osteopathy degree or D.O. instead of an M.D.
Tools and Instruments Used by an Ophthalmologist
Because an ophthalmologist performs functions such as a simple eyesight check to a complex and delicate surgery, the tools he uses vary. Some of these are:
•Spectacles, used to correct refractive errors.
•Lens, a little invasive but also used to correct refractive errors.
•Tonometers, used to check intraoccular pressure when diagnosing Glaucoma.
•Speculum, an instrument used to keep eyes open during surgery.
•Needle Holders, used to hold needles in place when sutures are being applied.
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