Who is Ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specialized in Ophthalmology, who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage all eye diseases & medical conditions. The field of medicine that deals with the treatment and management of acute and chronic eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, near sight, far sight, bulging eyes, dry eyes, and color blindness, etc is called Ophthalmology.

What are the qualifications of Ophthalmologists?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be an Ophthalmologist:

• FRCS - Ophthalmology (Edin)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of UK (FRCOphth.UK)
• DO
• DOMS
• MS - Ophthalmology
• FAICO (Fellow of All India Collegium of Ophthalmology)
• Masters Royal College of Ophthalmologists (MRCO)
• Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology
• MNAMS - Ophthalmology
• MD - Ophthalmology
• DNB - Ophthalmology
• FCPS- Ophthalmology

How are Ophthalmologists different from Optometrists?

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat all eye diseases & medical conditions, and are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Optometrists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care, vision testing & correction to the diagnosis and treatment of eyesight changes. They are trained and licensed to practice optometry, which deals with performing vision tests and eye exams, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses.

What conditions do Ophthalmologists treat?

Some of the common conditions treated by Ophthalmologists are:

• Corneal diseases
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Squints
• Retinal problems
• Eye inflammation
• Eye-related neurological problems
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Major and minor eye injuries
• Infectious eye disease
• Age-related macular degeneration

When should I visit an Ophthalmologist?

The following are some of the risk factors for eye diseases. If an individual has any of these, they should visit an Ophthalmologist:

• Bulging in the eyes
• Dark veil blocking your vision
• Reduced vision
• Diabetes mellitus
• Distorted vision
• Double vision
• Eyelid abnormalities
• History of eye disease in the family
• Halos
• Hypertension
• Eye injury
• Loss of side vision
• Eye pain
• Thyroid related eye problems
• Unusual red eye
• Misaligned eyes

What surgeries do Ophthalmologists perform?

Some of the surgeries performed by Ophthalmologists are:

• Cataract surgery
• Glaucoma surgery
• Refractive surgery including LASIK
• Cancer treatment
• Reconstructive surgery
• Neoplasm (tumor, cyst, or foreign object) removal
• Cosmetic surgeries
• Repairing torn or detached retinas
• Corneal transplants

How do I consult an Ophthalmologist?

You can consult an Ophthalmologist either online or offline. However, depending on the availability of the doctor and the convenience of the patient, pre-booking may be required for consultation.

How often should I visit an Ophthalmologist?

It is recommended to consult an Ophthalmologist once every year to get an update on the health of the eyes. In case you have an existing eye disease or condition, it is advised to have regular follow-ups with the Ophthalmologist.