The term “eye doctor” can be confusing because it may refer to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Both are providers of eye care but differ in their scope of knowledge, training, and abilities.

An Ophthalmologist (off-thal-mol-o-jist) is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in the diseases and surgery of eyes, rather than the heart, skin, bones, etc. The long road to becoming an ophthalmologist starts with graduating in the top 10% of the class from a four-year college.

MEDICAL SCHOOL. Next, four years of medical school are completed. During the first two years of medical school, basic sciences are studied. The next two years are spent in a hospital, examining and assisting with the care of patients under the supervision of more experienced resident doctors and attending physicians. Many long hours are devoted to learning how to properly diagnose medical and surgical conditions and prescribe proper treatment for the many different kinds of patients encountered. At graduation, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is given.

INTERNSHIP. The new medical doctor then spends 1 year at a hospital as an intern assuming more responsibility as he or she cares for patients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions.

RESIDENCY. Following this grueling year, ophthalmology residency begins. This 3 to 4 year program focuses on the specialty of eye care. Typically, the resident learns to diagnoses and treat a broad variety of eye conditions under the supervision of more educated residents and practicing staff ophthalmologists. Hands-on experience is paramount. Seeing 20-40 patients a day is common place. Surgical skills are learned and perfected. The graduating ophthalmologist is very well educated and equipped to take care of nearly all eye diseases and disorders, both medical and surgical, as well as prescribing glasses and contacts. The ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicine and a comprehensive eye care provider.

ENSURING QUALITY OF CARE. The ophthalmologist needs to maintain medical and surgical proficiency. 25 hours of continuing education per year need to be obtained and documented. The states's board of medicine grants a medical license based on this. In addition the ophthalmology specialty board renews certification based on expert knowledge and passing qualifiyng exams every 10 years.