What Is an Ophthalmologist?

These eye doctors do much more than give vision tests and prescribe glasses or contacts.

An ophthalmologist, also called an eye MD, is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.

Ophthalmologists are trained to provide a wide range of eye care, from fitting glasses and contact lenses to diagnosing eye diseases and performing eye surgeries.

Many ophthalmologists also perform scientific research on the causes of, and cures for, vision problems and eye diseases.

Ophthalmologist Training and Education

After receiving a bachelor's degree, aspiring ophthalmologists must complete four years of medical school and one year of an internship.

Then they must spend at least three years as a resident in a hospital setting, receiving training in all aspects of eye care.

This includes prevention, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

Some — but not all — ophthalmologists go on to become board certified.

Board certification involves passing a two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology, which assesses the ophthalmologist's knowledge, experience, and skills.

Ophthalmology Subspecialties

Some ophthalmologists choose to seek out additional training (usually for one or two years) to work in a subspecialty, such as:

Cornea and external disease: Treating the visible parts of the eye, as well as the eyelids.

Glaucoma: Treating glaucoma and other disorders that may cause optic nerve damage.

Neuro-ophthalmology: Focuses on the optic nerves, visual pathways, and the relationship between neurologic and ophthalmic diseases.

Ophthalmic pathology: Focuses on diagnosing eye conditions based on tissue specimens from the eye and its adjoining structures.

Ophthalmic plastic surgery: Focuses on facial plastic surgery, eyelid surgery, orbital (eye socket) surgery, and lacrimal (tear duct) surgery.

Pediatric ophthalmology: Treating a wide range of genetic, developmental, inflammatory, traumatic, and other eye conditions in children.

Vitreoretinal diseases: Focuses on surgery to treat diseases that affect the retina and vitreous (interior of the eye).

Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist vs Optician

While ophthalmologists are medical doctors, optometrists are not.

Optometrists complete three or four years of college, then four years of optometry school to receive a doctor of optometry (OD) degree.

This means they are licensed to practice optometry, which includes:

• Performing eye exams and vision tests
• Prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses
• Detecting some eye abnormalities
• Prescribing medications for some eye diseases

Opticians, on the other hand, are technicians trained to design, verify, and fit glasses lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight.

Opticians do not test, diagnose, or treat eye diseases. They fulfill prescriptions for visual correction devices, which are given by ophthalmologists and optometrists.