Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Ophthalmologists (except pediatric) diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. They may also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They help prevent, diagnose and treat all illnesses, conditions and injuries that affect the eye. They may work as general ophthalmologists or specialize in eye treatment like retina care or surgery.
Ophthalmologist job description include performing ophthalmic surgeries, conducting comprehensive examinations, diagnosing or treating diseases or injuries, evaluating patients’ medical histories, providing postoperative care, performing or interpreting test results, developing treatment plans, administering medications, educating patients, and referring patients to other specialists.
To become an ophthalmologist, one needs to complete medical degrees at bachelor’s and master’s levels and specialize to become an eye doctor at a doctoral level. It may take several years of study and work experience before acquiring a license to start working. Ophthalmologists require technical knowledge in biology, medicine, psychology, physics, administration and management.
Ophthalmologists work in a variety of settings. These include public and private hospitals, clinics, private practices, eye hospitals, from home or online consultants. Ophthalmologist salary may vary based on one’s experience, role, location and type of employment.
To be successful, ophthalmologists should have the critical thinking, communication, judgement, decision making, problem-solving, and social perceptiveness skills.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Ophthalmology
- M.D. Ophthalmology
- MS Medicine
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Tasks
- Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
- Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
- Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
- Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
- Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
- Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
- Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
Progression Routes
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