An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.
After 4 years of medical school and a year of internship, every ophthalmologist spends a minimum of 3 years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency they receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.
An ophthalmologist may spend an additional year or two in training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care such as glaucoma, cornea and external disease, corneal transplant surgery, ophthalmic plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology and vitreoretinal diseases.
Oculoplastic surgeons combine ophthalmic surgery with plastic surgery and are trained in the use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and chemosurgery to treat ocular and orbital disease.
There are two professional bodies in the UK which represent ophthalmic surgeons:
You can view the profile of one of our featured consultants below, or you can use our online database of Harley Street consultants to search for a private ophthalmic surgeon.
