What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are eye physicians (M.D. or D.O.) that have completed four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical or osteopathy school, a year of internship, and three years in an ophthalmology residency. Some ophthalmologists undergo fellowship training after their residency, lasting a year or more, in a particular specialty. Ophthalmologists spend a minimum of three years studying only the eye. The ophthalmologist can perform total eye care, including surgery. An ophthalmologist’s training provides a strong medical background for diagnosing and treating eye diseases and general diseases of the body. Some ophthalmologists, but not all, are refractive surgeons. Most refractive surgeons work closely with optometrists to provide patients with the best possible results.
An ophthalmologist is a physician that specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with the structure, function and diseases of the eye. Some ophthalmologists also have a specialty interest (sub-specialty) and focus their practice on certain areas of ophthalmology such as ophthalmology for children (pediatric ophthalmologist). However the American Board of Ophthalmology does not issue any sub-specialty certifications at this time.
