An ophthalmologist is a specialist physician who is involved with the prevention, diagnosis and medical treatment of the eyes. This may include surgical procedures and pharmaceutical interventions and, as such, ophthalmologists have training in both fields.Aspects of visual function that may be considered by an ophthalmologist while doing a medical examination to make a diagnosis may include refraction, orthoptics, binocular vision and strabismus.
- Age-related macular degeneration usually affects individuals over the age of 50 and may lead to loss of vision due to damage to the macula.
- Cataracts are the number one cause of vision impairment throughout the world, and cataract surgery is the second most common procedure performed in the United Kingdom.
- Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to the blood vessels in the eyes due to excessive glucose levels in the blood. This can lead to vision impairment.
With the current high proportion of an aging population in most Western countries, the incidence of age-related diseases of the eyes such as age-related macular degeneration is on the rise. It is important that diseases of the eyes are detected as early as possible, because timely diagnosis and management help to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists must complete many more years of training than optometrists and opticians. As a result, ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
Ophthalmologists complete 12 to 14 years of training and education including medical school and are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. This advanced training allows ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions than optometrists and opticians. Typical training includes a four-year college degree followed by at least eight years of additional medical and surgical training.