A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the eyes and visual system.
Ophthalmologists can perform eye examinations, prescribe medicines and corrective lenses when appropriate, diagnose eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Their training includes general medical care as well as specialized eye care.
They manage conditions ranging from refractive and retinal disorders to glaucoma, cataracts, eye injuries, and other diseases affecting vision.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Optometrist: a licensed eye-care professional who examines vision and eyes and provides many forms of eye care, but is not a medical doctor in the same sense as an ophthalmologist.
- Optician: a professional who prepares and fits eyeglasses and other optical devices based on prescriptions.
SEE ALSO
