What kind of doctor is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. They have specialized knowledge and training in the structure, function, and diseases of the eye, as well as the surrounding structures such as the eyelids, tear glands, and muscles that control eye movement. Ophthalmologists are responsible for providing comprehensive eye care, including:

- Conducting thorough eye examinations to assess overall eye health and detect any abnormalities

- Diagnosing and managing eye diseases and conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal diseases, uveitis, strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), and amblyopia ("lazy eye")

- Prescribing corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, to correct refractive errors (e.g., nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)

- Performing surgical procedures on the eye, such as cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplants, and refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK)

- Providing pre- and post-operative care for eye surgeries

- Managing eye injuries, infections, and inflammatory conditions

- Offering preventive and therapeutic treatments to maintain good eye health and vision

- Collaborating with other medical professionals to address eye-related complications of systemic diseases

Ophthalmologists typically complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and three to four years of residency training in ophthalmology. After completing their residency, they become board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and are licensed to practice medicine and surgery in their state. Some ophthalmologists may choose to specialize further in a specific area of eye care, such as cornea, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, or pediatric ophthalmology.