Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine which deals with the diseases of the eye and their treatment. The word ophthalmology comes from the Greek roots ophthalmos meaning eye and logos meaning word; ophthalmology literally means "the science of eyes." As a discipline it applies to animal eyes also, since the differences from human practice are surprisingly minor and are related mainly to differences in anatomy or prevalence, not differences in disease processes. By convention the term ophthalmologist is more restricted and implies a medically trained specialist. Since ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, they are generally categorized as surgeons.

Professional requirements

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and embark on a training schedule that generally lasts three years after medical school in most countries. Many ophthalmologists also undergo additional specialized training in one of the many subspecialities. Ophthalmology was the first branch of medicine to offer board certification, now a standard practice among all specialties.

Related Topics:
Medical doctor - Medical school

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In the United States, four years of training after medical school are required, with the first year being an internship in surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, or a general transition year. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) promotes the use of the phrase "Eye MD" to distinguish ophthalmologists from optometrists who hold the degree OD (Doctor of Optometry). (This, however, sometimes leads to confusion among patients, since a few ophthalmologists' primary medical degree is a D.O., or Doctor of Osteopathy, rather than an M.D. In both cases, the same residency and certification requirements must be fulfilled.)

Related Topics:
American Academy of Ophthalmology - Optometrists - Osteopathy

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In the United Kingdom, FRCS / MRCOpth and FRCOpth (postgraduate exams) are required for specialisation in eye diseases.

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In Australia and New Zealand, the FRACO/FRANZCO is the equivalent postgraduate specialist qualification. They do not generally accept outsiders with equivalent qualifications and require repeat training on case by case basis.

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In India, a Junior Residency at a Medical College or Institution leading to degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Master of Surgery (M.S.), or Diplomate of National Board (D.N.B.) degree, or a diploma course leading to (Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery (D.O.M.S.) in Ophthalmology is necessary before one can expertly deal with various problems of the eye.

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In Canada, an Ophthalmology residency and FRCSC is the requirement for becoming a licenced Ophthalmologist. There are about 10 seats per year in whole of Canada for Ophthalmology residency.

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Formal specialty training programs in veterinary ophthalmology now exist in some countries http://www.acvo.com/.

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