What Does an Ophthalmology Specialist Do?

When it comes to caring for our eyes, most of us think of optometrists or simply reach for a pair of glasses. But have you ever wondered who takes care of more serious eye issues, performs surgeries, or helps prevent blindness? That’s where ophthalmology specialist come in. These medical professionals play a critical role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore what an ophthalmologist does, how they differ from other eye care professionals, and when you should consider seeing one.

Who is an Ophthalmology Specialist?

An ophthalmology specialist, more commonly referred to as an ophthalmologist, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists possess substantial medical and surgical training, in contrast to optometrists or opticians. They are licensed to practice medicine and perform surgery, making them the most comprehensive eye care providers in the medical field.

After obtaining an undergraduate degree, a four-year medical program must be completed, followed by a one-year internship and at least three years in a hospital-based ophthalmology residency program. Some ophthalmologists go on to pursue fellowships in subspecialties such as retina, glaucoma, cornea, or pediatric ophthalmology.