Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology (, OFF-thal-MOL-ə-jee) is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and disorders. Ophthalmologists also diagnose systemic (other parts of the body) diseases using changes seen in the eyes. An ophthalmologist is a physician with an MD or DO degree who undergoes specialty training in medical and surgical eye care. In the United States, following graduation from medical school, one must complete a four-year residency in ophthalmology to become an ophthalmologist. Following residency, additional sub-specialty training (or fellowship) may be sought in a particular aspect of eye diseases. Ophthalmologists prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, implement laser therapy, and perform surgery when needed. Ophthalmologists provide both primary and specialty eye care—medical and surgical. Most ophthalmologists participate in academic research on eye diseases at some point in their training, and many include research as part of their career. Ophthalmology has always been at the forefront of medical research with a long history of advancement and innovation in eye care. A former term for this medical branch is oculism.