What is an Ophthalmologist?

About Ophthalmologists

An Ophthalmologist specializes in eye and vision health and both the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the eye. Ophthalmologists are one of the main types of eye care specialists alongside Optometrists and opticians. They provide whole eye care, including everything from initial eye examination, the prescription of both eyeglasses and contact lenses, and performing surgery on the eyes and surrounding area. Both Ophthalmologists and optometrists are experts in the anatomy of the eye and the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

Ophthalmologists are responsible for choosing what surgical procedure will best treat the patient’s condition as well as the pre-operative and post-operative care of the eye and its surrounding structures. Patients who require and undergo surgery might also be prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses as well as receiving surgical treatment.

Conditions that can be treated by an Ophthalmologist include changes in vision, eye injury or trauma, eye problems related to other conditions such as diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) as well as serious ocular issues such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.

Some common types of eye surgery include Laser Eye surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal surgery, eye muscle surgery, and even eye removal.

Subspecialty areas within eye medicine that can also be studied by Ophthalmologists include further expertise in the health of the retina and/or cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, oculoplastics, refractive surgery, and neuro-ophthalmology.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

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