How to Train to Be an Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology is a highly specialized field of medicine that deals with diagnosing, treating and surgically repairing disorders of the eye. They are different from optometrists in that their course of study is much more intensive and the scope of their practice is much broader. Ophthalmologists typically undergo 12 years of education beyond high school and must pass a written examination before they are certified.
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Instructions
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Graduate college. Typically, ophthalmologists graduate from a four-year college or university before attending medical school.
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Graduate medical school. To be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, an ophthalmologist must graduate from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
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Complete a one-year internship. This includes general medical and surgical training.
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Complete a three-year residency program. This includes study and practice of the field's subspecialties. These include children's ophthalmology, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology and ocular oncology, or the study and treatment of cancer of the eye.
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Pass the American Board of Ophthalmology's written examination. Those who complete their requirements by August 1 can take their exam the following spring.
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Tips & Warnings
Ophthalmologists are surgeons and therefore must have excellent vision, hand-eye coordination and surgical skill.
References
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Comments
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Anonymous
Sep 12, 2011
We have now published a book entitled "How to Get that Training Post in Ophthalmology", which may be helpful for those wishing to take up ophthalmology as a career, particularly those based in the UK. Good luck!
