Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is a medical branch of medicine that focuses on the identification and treatment of eye illnesses. Ophthalmologists examine and treat a variety of eye conditions.

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has completed further education and training to become an expert in medical and surgical eye care. After completing their medical degree, eye doctors who want to specialise in ophthalmology are required to do extra postgraduate residency training that is field-specific. This may include a year-long integrated internship that provides more broad medical training in other specialties, such as internal medicine or general surgery. Integrated internships typically last one year. After finishing an ocular pathology residency, one may choose to pursue further speciality study in a specific subfield of the field.

In order to address conditions such as eye illnesses, ophthalmologists prescribe drugs, treat patients with laser treatment, and, if necessary, undertake surgical procedures. Primary and specialist eye care, including medical and surgical procedures, are both provided by ophthalmologists. The majority of ophthalmologists take part in academic research on eye illnesses at some time during their education, and many ophthalmologists make research a part of their professional lives. Ophthalmology has a long history of development and innovation in eye care, and it has always been at the forefront of medical research throughout its entire existence.

Ophthalmology and ophthalmologists belong to the same discipline as optometry and optometrists, however they perform somewhat distinct duties.