You may see an ophthalmologist in the following conditions
·Blurred vision
·Eye pain
·Eye injury
·Diabetes-related eye problems
·Family history of eye problems
·Dark spots in vision
·Dry and itchy eye
·Decreased vision
·Discharge from the eye and redness
·Cataract surgery
·Corneal transplant

Yes, an ophthalmologist also performs eye surgeries. If you need cataract surgery or a corneal transplant, your ophthalmologist will treat you accordingly. An ophthalmologist also specializes in laser surgery.

To become an ophthalmologist, you first need to complete MBBS degree, which is a five and half years course. After this course, you need to give an entrance exam for a postgraduate course. You will have to complete a three years course in MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) Ophthalmology or DNB. Some medical colleges also offer diploma courses in Ophthalmology after MBBS degree.

An optometrist or an ophthalmologist can perform your eye examination and find out the error in your vision. However, an ophthalmologist specializes in dealing with complex problems of the eye. So an ophthalmologist can easily suggest you which contact lenses to wear.

An ophthalmologist can specialize in a particular branch and specialize in treating that particular eye problem The specializations are as follows:
·Paediatric ophthalmology (specialize in children eye problems)
·Neuro ophthalmology (eye problems originating from the nervous system)
·Ocular oncology (cancer of the eye)
·Ophthalmic pathology (diagnosis of eye problems via the pathology)