What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic physician who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
How is an ophthalmologist different from an optometrist and an optician?
Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists and opticians in their training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmologists complete four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three years or more of residency and fellowship to train in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders.
An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and is licensed to practice optometry, not medicine. The practice of optometry traditionally involves examining the eye for the purpose of prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, screening vision to detect certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases.
An optician is trained to design, verify and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to correct eyesight. They use prescriptions supplied by ophthalmologists or optometrists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions for visual corrections. Opticians are not permitted to diagnose or treat eye diseases.
Ophthalmology Residency
Ophthalmology programs are 3 years in duration and begin at PGY-2 following an internship year typically completed in internal medicine or surgery. After residency, approximately 60% go on to pursue further subspecialization. Fellowship opportunities in ophthalmology include:
Cornea and External Disease
Glaucoma
Uveitis
Vitreoretinal Disease
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Oculo-Plastics (Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery)
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic Pathology
Matching in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is one of two specialties that indepenently coordinate their own match system on an earlier time frame known as the San Francisco (SF) Match. Applications are due in early August, interviews are conducted in the fall, and letters of recommendation are due in early January. Match results are announced 1 to 2 weeks later. This allows applicants time to submit rankings of PGY-1 positions to the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). The SF match is the same as the NRMP match with the exeption of time frame.
2011 Match Statistics*
Number of positions available: 461
99.3% of all positions were filled in the initial match.
Successful applicants: 88% US Seniors, 6% foreign-trained, 6% US graduates.
Mean USMLE Step 1 score: 237
Applicants submitted on average 52 applications and received 4.4 offers.
Unmatched rate for US seniors applying only to ophthalmology: 12%
*Data from San Francisco Matching Program