Ophthalmology Job Descriptions
If you are interested in pursuing a medical career, there are many options available. Ophthalmologists, occupying the role of both physician and surgeon, diagnose and treat diseases affecting the human eyes. They also supervise and perform laser eye surgery to correct vision. The field requires intense study, internships and on-site training.
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Official Definition of Ophthalmology
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According to the eighth Edition of Mosby's Medical Dictionary, ophthalmology is "the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the physiology, anatomy, and pathology of the eye and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye."
An ophthalmologist is also known as an Eye M.D.
Job Duties of Ophthalmologist
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According to O*Net Center, an opthalmologist's daily job involves several duties.
The ophthalmologist, using different types of equipment, performs tests and examinations on a patient's eyes, checking the cornea, sclera and conjunctiva. After observing the eyes, analyzing the and listening to the patient's description of symptoms, the ophthalmologist diagnoses the patient's eye injury, disorder or disease.
Some of the conditions an ophthalmologist treats through surgery includes cataract repair and glaucoma. Some ophthalmologists also perform laser eye surgery to alter, remove or replace ocular tissue to improve a patient's eyesight.
An ophthalmologist also has the authority to prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as medications for other eye conditions.
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Educational Requirements
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After obtaining a high school diploma, an ophthalmologist needs to complete four years of college and four years of medical school. After completing medical school, an ophthalmologist is required to have a one year internship and three years of residency at a hospital.
In the first year of residency, a training ophthalmologist should work in the areas of internal medicine or surgery and specialize in ophthalmology for the rest of the residency.
After the internships and residencies, training ophthalmologists are required to take a series of exams to meet the position's requirements and earn certification in the field.
According to Eye Care Professions.com, the 2009 median salary for an ophthalmologist varies from $255,000 to $297,000 annually.
Ophthalmologist Technicians
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An ophthalmologist technician assists the ophthalmologist in surgery, sets up and maintains the equipment and instruments, administers some initial diagnostic tests and measures the patient's vision.
Becoming an ophthalmologist technician requires a shorter period of education and training. After graduating high school, a technician needs to complete a one-year program to earn a certificate. A training technician can also complete an associate's degree, after which he is also qualified to be an ophthalmologist technologist.
Specialities of Opthalmology
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Once an ophthalmologist receives certification, he can practice in a hospital, private practice or surgical center. Ophthalmologists generally earn a high salary through working in private practice.
If an ophthalmologist has a special interest in working with children, the elderly or animals, she can choose from a number of specialties. For instance, ophthalmologists can specialize in pediatric, veterinary and surgical ophthalmology.
Ophthalmologists can also specialize in special procedures, such as laser eye surgery or retinal surgery.
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References
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- Photo Credit red eye image by Ken Marshall from Fotolia.com
