Ophthalmology is the study of the eye, its physiology and the diseases that affect it. The word ophthalmology stems from the Greek word opthalmos, meaning ‘referring to the discourse of the eyes’. Qualified ophthalmologists are surgical and medical eye experts who can perform optical operations and prescribe medicine as well as treatment plans for acute and chronic eye conditions.
Both medical doctors and veterinarians study ophthalmology as many of the problems which affect eyes are similar, if not the same, across humans and animals. Ophthalmologists often work closely with other eye specialists. However, an ophthalmologist is not the same as an optometrist, who performs eye tests and examinations for prescribing glasses or contact lenses.
Ophthalmologists also differ from orthoptists, who typically specialise in non-surgical solutions for eye-related issues. Other courses related to ophthalmology and the human eye include orthoptics, ophthalmic dispensing, healthcare science (ophthalmic imaging) and optometry.
Most courses in ophthalmology last between one and four years. This depends on your study destination and your level and mode of study. However, be aware that you will need to dedicate a lot of time to your studies to become an ophthalmologist, and many countries have specific requirements that you must meet before you can practice.
In the USA, for example, you must have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and at least four years of ophthalmology training. To become a licensed ophthalmologist, you must also register with a relevant accreditation body, e.g. the Medical Council of Canada.
Many ophthalmologists also choose to register with a professional members group such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to stay up to date with news and advancements in the discipline.
An ophthalmology degree is taught as a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory sessions. There are also work placements. It may cover areas such as:
1. Ocular emergencies
2. Ocular surgery
3. Oculoplastics
4. Ocular diseases
5. Acute and chronic ocular conditions
6. Glaucoma
7. Medical retina
Some ophthalmology specialisations include:
1. Neuro-ophthalmology
2. Paediatric ophthalmology
3. Veterinary ophthalmology
4. Cataract and refractive surgery
Ophthalmology can be studied as a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, master’s degree or doctoral level.
To study ophthalmology, you must have already obtained a degree, and in most cases, this should be a medical degree. However, applicants with degrees in veterinary science, optometry or orthoptics may also be accepted, depending on the course. Most universities require ophthalmology applicants to have:
1. Obtained at least a 2:1 in their medical degree.
2. Strong A-Level (or equivalent) results, usually at least AAB/International Baccalaureate minimum 35 points.
3. IELTS overall score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with no band score lower than 6.5.
4. Many ophthalmology courses will also require an A-Level (or equivalent) in biology.
As an ophthalmologist, you will also need to be able to demonstrate core qualities such as:
1. Strong communication skills
2. Empathy and patience
3. Organisation and time management
4. Ability to work under pressure
5. Analytical decision-making
6. Manual dexterity and focus
Remember to check that you meet your prospective university’s requirements before you apply and that your existing qualifications will be accepted.
Once you secure a job as an ophthalmologist, you can immediately earn a high salary, often with more favourable working hours than many other medical professionals.A consultant ophthalmologist for the NHS in the UK can earn between GBP 93,000 and GBP 126,000 per year, with ophthalmology students usually earning between GBP 32,000 and GBP 43,000 while they train.
Despite its degree of specialisation, many graduates still find that ophthalmology is an incredibly competitive career path. And although studying ophthalmology overseas will certainly set you apart as an attractive applicant, building professional relationships and working towards good grades will also be extremely beneficial.
Some other careers and roles you may pursue with an ophthalmology degree include:
1. Medical training
2. Medical research
3. University lecturing
Typical employment environments for those with ophthalmology degrees are:
1. General hospitals
2. Eye, ear and throat hospitals
3. Veterinary surgeries
4. Universities