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Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. As a discipline it applies to animal eyes also, since the differences from human practice are minor and are related mainly to differences in anatomy or prevalence, not differences in disease processes. By convention, the term ophthalmologist is more restricted and implies a medically trained specialist. Since ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, they are generally considered ophthalmologic surgeons.
The ophthalmologist is specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
Subspecialties in Ophthalmology include Cornea and External Disease; Glaucoma; Neuro-Ophthalmology; Ophthalmic Pathology; Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery; Pediatric Ophthalmology; and Vitreoretinal Diseases.
Education
Ophthalmologists attend four years of medical school and one year of internship. Every ophthalmologist spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, they receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.
Often, an ophthalmologist spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)
Board Certification
Many (but not all) Ophthalmologists are Board-certified. A board certified ophthalmologist has passed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology designed to assess his/her knowledge, experience and skills.
Medical Opinions Associates
MOA has Board-certified ophthalmologists who review medical records and provide on-going litigation support. In addition to being in clinical practice and having academic appointments, MOA’s ophthalmologists have related specialized skills. One panel member is widely-published in cataract refractive surgery. Another is the Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology in a Pennsylvania hospital’s Department of Surgery and serves other providers as a Consultant in Pediatric Ophthalmology. We have available the services of a full Professor of Ophthalmology in a Michigan medical school. At a nearby institute, he established the Refractive Surgery Service involving various refractive procedures including radial keratotomy, photorefractive keratotomy, and procedures involving use of the excimer laser.
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