Published in July 17th, 2010
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Ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine concerning the eyes. It revolves around diseases and surgery of the eyes and its surrounding parts, such as the eyelids, hair and lacrimal system. An Ophthalmologist specializes in both surgical as well as medical problems, and since they operate as well, they are considered surgically and medically specialised. They are responsible for taking care of and operating on the full spectrum of the eye. This calls for very delicate surgery, which they have to perform. Some ophthalmologists also have the authority to prescribe contact lenses or spectacles to patients, if they need them.
Ophthalmologists are doctors of medicine and are known as M.D’s or more specifically; Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. To become an ophthalmologist, a person has to pursue a bachelor’s degree in college in Biology, Chemistry or another field that is related to medicine. This is a requirement in almost all parts of the world. After a bachelor’s degree, a student needs to apply to medical school and get accepted if wishing to continue their education further.
Medical schools are competitive, and so it is rather difficult getting accepted. Good grades, letters of recommendation and determination are factors that benefit potential Ophthalmologists. A student will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as well. After getting in, four years are spent studying ophthalmology, after which another four years are spent in postgraduate training. This is required in most countries. Nowadays however, some ophthalmologists undergo additional training (for a year or two) after their postgraduate training, during which they specialize in one of the sub-fields of ophthalmology.
Ophthalmology has a myriad of sub-specialties that a student can choose during their additional training years. The sub-specialties include Paediatric Ophthalmology (eye diseases and vision of children), Anterior Segment Surgery (front of the eye), and Vitreo-Retinal Surgery (retinal and posterior segments)
The average ophthalmologist works in a private practice, and in some cases this private practice is owned by the ophthalmologist himself. This means hours are flexible, so an ophthalmologist can work according to their own schedule. Hospitals rarely ever call on ophthalmologists during medical emergencies, so hours are generally kept intact. Despite this, ophthalmology is a stressful profession, and an ophthalmologist has to spend many hours researching new advancements in the field, alongside their regular work, due to the many advancements happening in ophthalmology.
A person should only consider becoming an ophthalmologist if they have a true interest in the field. It is both demanding and stressful. Only people that have high intelligence and focus are able to get through the many years of schooling. Also, the eye being the sensitive organ that is, incredible hand-eye coordination and depth is needed, so that operating on it is easier and the ophthalmologist isn’t prone to making mistakes.
To become a certified ophthalmologist, with the ability to begin operating, either at a hospital of private practice, one needs to pass two exams; one written, and one oral. The written portion of the exam contains about 250 questions, on varied topics within the field, including optics, cornea, ophthalmic pathology, paediatric ophthalmology and the retina, among others. The topics tested upon would have been studied by the candidate during their schooling. The oral part of the exam is to test students on data acquisition as well as their ability to treat a patient, following diagnosis. After passing both of the aforementioned exams, certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is guaranteed.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average salary of an ophthalmologist ranges from between $150,000 and $350,000 a year. This, however, is subject to change, depending on the location, specialty, and experience.
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