Ophthalmologist
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical and surgical specialist who deals specifically with the structure, function, diseases and treatment of the eye. The discipline of ophthalmology comes from the Greek word "opthalmos" meaning "eye", and "logia" meaning "the study of". Due to the complexities and importance of the eye as a special sense that provides vision, the discipline of ophthalmology is dedicated exclusively to this organ.
What does an ophthalmologist do?
The study of ophthalmology dates back to 800 B.C., when an Indian surgeon noted various eye diseases he found among his patients. The field moved into the medieval period and the 17th and 18th centuries, with each period making its own significant contribution in terms of fluid anatomy, muscle function and surgical treatment. Today, modern ophthalmologists have the privilege of accessing the vast reserves of knowledge and surgical techniques built and developed by their predecessors. However, they are also expected to contribute to this special branch of medicine through their own research and study.
Ophthalmologists are primarily interested in correcting imperfections and treating eye conditions known to cause decreased or loss of vision. They evaluate the condition of the patient's eye, diagnose any abnormalities found, intervene to preserve the sense of sight and assess whether the condition has improved. They determine and prescribe the prescription for patients who need glasses, and may even open their own private business selling corrective lenses.
An ophthalmologist will also perform eye surgeries including cataract extraction, lens replacement, corneal reshaping, transplants, retinal detachment repair and glaucoma treatment. Most of these procedures are often performed with the help of lasers and computerized surgical tools, but much is still done by hand.
Ophthalmologists can also operate on animals, since the anatomy and physiology of the eye have few differences between closely related species. However, a veterinary eye doctor is often considered a different specialist with separate licenses and regulations. Generally, ophthalmologists are assumed to be fully dedicated to the study and treatment of the human eye, but some may find the practice of veterinary ophthalmology to be a more appealing field.
What is an ophthalmologist's workplace like?
Ophthalmologists can open their own private practice anywhere and start seeing patients. There is also the option of being employed as a specialist in a hospital. Other paths related to the degree will also be available, such as public health employee, academic researcher, military doctor, sports doctor, community doctor, medical lawyer, medical school professor and many more.
They can also take part in humanitarian efforts and missions around the world where eye problems are common, but medical treatment is scarce. As an ophthalmologist, there are no work borders that limit the practice of the career.