What Is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a physician with advanced training who specializes in vision and eye health. Compared to other eye care providers, ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat the widest range of conditions. They can provide expertise when further evaluation, treatment, or surgical intervention is required.

Many ophthalmologists do scientific research, and some become specialized in specific areas, such as pediatrics, oculoplastics, or neurology—or they may focus on particular disorders or diseases, or certain parts of the eye, such as the cornea or retina.

There are several types of eye care providers, and having a better understanding of each profession can help you know which is best for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ophthalmologists—who they are, what they do, and how they’re trained.

Is an Ophthalmologist a Doctor?

Yes, an ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor. An ophthalmologist has attended medical school, and they hold either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?

Ophthalmologists can evaluate and treat eye conditions just as an optometrist can, but their specialized training also allows them to address more advanced or complex issues and perform surgery.

Their services can include:

• Performing routine examinations 
• Prescribing corrective lenses
• Diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular conditions with both medications and surgery
• Performing surgeries such as LASIK, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and retinal detachment repair
• Performing intraocular injections for diabetes, macular degeneration, or other vascular diseases
• Managing pre- and post-surgical care 
• Conducting clinical research in ophthalmology
• Working with patients’ other medical physicians to co-manage ocular conditions that are related to a systemic disease

When To See an Ophthalmologist

You would typically schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist when you have an eye condition or problem that needs attention from a specialist. Ophthalmologists are trained for diagnosing and treating all eye conditions, but many choose to subspecialize in a specific, focused area of care.

Your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist when a diagnosis requires further examination or testing. They might also provide a referral if you need specialized treatment or surgery for an eye condition that’s complex, rare, or advanced.

How To Become an Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists need about 12 to 14 years of training, including medical school, and must be licensed before they can practice. The path to becoming an ophthalmologist looks something like this:

1. Required: Obtain a bachelor’s degree, including premedical school college prerequisites.
2. Required: Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
3. Required: Attend four years of medical school and obtain either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
4. Required: Complete a one-year internship focused on general medicine, pediatrics, or surgery.
5. Required: Complete a three-year ophthalmology residency program.
6. Required: Become licensed by the state by passing an exam.
7. Optional: Ophthalmologists wishing to become subspecialists go on to complete a one- or two-year fellowship after their residency.
8. Optional: Become board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology by passing written and oral exams.
9. Required: Participate in continuing medical education and get all licensing and certification regularly renewed.

An Ophthalmologist Is Your Go-To Provider for Advanced or Specialized Eye Care

While your optometrist is your first stop for primary eyecare, an ophthalmologist is the person to see for specialized care and intervention. Talk to your optometrist about next steps if you think you might need an ophthalmologist’s expertise.