What is an ophthalmologist?
Understanding the role of ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist is a doctor with a medical degree (MD) or osteopathic medicine degree (DO) who specializes in eye care and the treatment of eye diseases and vision problems. Besides providing comprehensive care, ophthalmologists also perform eye and vision surgery.
Ophthalmologists are the eye doctors to see if you have or have been referred for a complex eye condition. They can monitor and treat these conditions properly. But they can also provide more basic care, such as vision prescriptions and checkups.
You may also consider seeing an ophthalmologist for comprehensive (not routine) eye exams. As medical doctors, they can provide a more detailed review of your eye (and overall) health.
Because ophthalmologists are physicians, they sometimes are called “eye MDs.” This can be confusing, as the professional degree of another type of eye doctor — an optometrist, or Doctor of Optometry — is abbreviated “OD.”
Training and qualifications of an ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists have extensive training to diagnose and treat eye conditions and diseases. Ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to perform eye surgery.
Generally, the education of an ophthalmologist includes:
- An undergraduate degree from a college or university (this may include accelerated dual-degree programs)
- Four years of medical school to get an MD or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree
- A one-year internship is usually required
- A three-year ophthalmology residency program
Residency programs provide clinical training in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of eye disease. They also provide training for routine eye care.
Some ophthalmologists also complete one to two years of a fellowship in a subspecialty. Subspecialties include retina, glaucoma, cornea disease and more. Around 65% of ophthalmology residents pursue sub-specialty fellowship programs.
Ophthalmologists can also become “board-certified.” And many of them do. To receive this accreditation, eye doctors have to take (and pass) a demanding two-part test. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) administers the test. Approximately 79% to 87% of ophthalmology graduates ultimately achieve board certification from the ABO.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye conditions. They do so by performing comprehensive eye exams and providing routine eye care for patients. Since everyone’s vision is different, ophthalmologists provide custom care for each patient. This can include:
- Routine vision health screenings and exams
- Prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Treatment plans or medication prescriptions for certain conditions
- Surgical treatments
- Pediatric ophthalmology services
Common conditions treated by ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat most eye diseases and vision problems. Some of these include:
- Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism)
- Eye focusing disorders (strabismus and amblyopia)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic eye disease
- Eye injuries
- Retinal disorders
- Corneal disorders
- Infectious eye disease
- Neurologic disorders
- Ocular oncology
- Other eye disease management
Advanced procedures and technologies
Ophthalmologists can perform eye surgery in some situations. Some surgeries include:
- Cataract surgery
- LASIK surgery
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Corneal transplants
- Glaucoma procedures
- Oculoplastic surgery
Subspecialists in ophthalmology
Some ophthalmologists specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. These eye MDs are called subspecialists.
Examples of ophthalmology subspecialists include:
- Pediatric ophthalmologists, who specialize in children’s eye and vision problems
- Neuro-ophthalmologists, who specialize in complex neurological diseases that affect vision
- Retinal specialists, who diagnose and treat diseases of the retina and vitreous
Ophthalmologist vs. optometrist vs. optician
What is an ophthalmologist compared to an optometrist or optician? Here’s how to choose the right eye care specialist.
Key differences in training and expertise
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye conditions. They can also perform surgery, unlike other eye care professionals. An ophthalmologist is also sometimes called a medical doctor (MD), who attended medical school, or doctor of osteopathy (DO), who attended osteopathic medical school for their education.
An optometrist diagnoses and treats eye conditions. They also provide comprehensive eye exams and care. Optometrists do not perform advanced eye surgery, but they may perform noninvasive surgical procedures. An optometrist is called a doctor of optometry (OD), not a medical doctor. They receive their education through a school or college of optometry.
An optician guides patients in choosing eyewear along with ordering prescription glasses and contacts. Opticians do not diagnose or treat eye conditions.
When to see each type of eye care professional
Whether you see an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist for comprehensive eye care and exams is up to you. Both types of doctors can provide this care.
If you have a complex eye condition, you may need to see an ophthalmologist. You’ll also need to see an ophthalmologist for any type of advanced eye surgery.
In many cases, optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to provide patients with collaborative care. You might see an optometrist for your comprehensive eye care needs and then see an ophthalmologist for a specific eye condition or for an advanced treatment, such as eye injections or surgery.
When you have a new vision prescription and need to buy new glasses, you should see an optician. They will help you find the right style and fit for your preferences. Opticians can order glasses and contacts for you with a doctor’s prescription(s).
When should you see an ophthalmologist?
Consulting an ophthalmologist is necessary in some situations. Eye injuries, surgeries and chronic conditions are all examples.
If you have diabetes or other advanced vision risk factors, you should see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation to understand your treatment options.
Some prefer to see an ophthalmologist for routine eye exams. Some guidelines for exams from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) are:
- Children should have an exam every one to two years.
- Adults under 40 should have an exam every five to 10 years.
- Adults between 40 and 54 should have an exam every two to four years.
- Adults over 55 should have an exam every one to three years.
It’s important to have regular eye exams, even if you don’t need glasses or contacts.
If you have a sudden or significant change in your vision, it is recommended to see an eye care professional immediately.
What should I expect during a visit to an ophthalmologist?
A comprehensive appointment with an ophthalmologist usually includes:
- A review of your medical history by the doctor and a certified ophthalmic assistant
- A comprehensive eye exam to test your visual acuity and assess eye health (including testing for glaucoma)
- A contact lens exam and fitting, if needed
- A written prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, if needed
- A dilated eye exam, if you elect to have one
You can also expect a discussion of your exam findings. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have about your vision.
More tests may be needed if you have certain eye health or vision conditions. Additional appointments may be scheduled if a condition needs to be monitored or treated.
How to choose an ophthalmologist
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting an ophthalmologist. Consider the following:
- Your vision needs and how urgent they are
- Vision insurance coverage
- Reviews of the ophthalmologist’s office
- Recommendations from your other doctors, friends or family
- Credentials of the ophthalmologist you’re interested in
Researching local eye doctors and comparing them on your own terms can help you find the right fit.
Reflect on your appointment experience before returning — or choosing a different provider.
The future of ophthalmology
There are several emerging trends and technologies in ophthalmology. Such technologies include AI in diagnostics and telemedicine. Eye doctors can use these advancements to help identify certain eye conditions. They can also provide more detailed screening and information for patients.
AI may assist in surgical procedures, in some cases. It can also help with daily tasks, such as appointment scheduling and patient data input.
AI may be able to help streamline certain processes. But an eye doctor needs to provide the appropriate treatment for each patient.
Prioritizing your eye health
Between routine, specialty and emergency care, an ophthalmologist can help you maintain your vision and eye health for both your short-term and long-term care. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to ensure your vision is taken care of.
