Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Ophthalmology

Nature of the work

An ophthalmologist provides comprehensive eye and vision care including diagnosing, monitoring, and medically or surgically treating all ocular and visual disorders. They prescribe vision services including glasses and contact lenses.

Training/residency information

Residency training in ophthalmology is three years, following one year of preparatory clinical residency training after medical school.

Workforce and salary information

According to the web publication Envision Ophthalmology A Practical Guide to Ophthalmology as a Career Choice, by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Future demand for ophthalmology, as for the other specialties, will depend on the advances of medicine and how fast new procedures and techniques can be made available to meet the needs of the public. Ophthalmology has enjoyed more than its share of scientific and technological breakthroughs in medicine. As such, there are locations throughout the country with relative shortages and others with relative surpluses of comprehensive (general) ophthalmologists and ophthalmologic subspecialists. Overall, from a manpower perspective, ophthalmology continues to be an attractive field of medicine with great opportunities."

The annual salary for ophthalmologists ranges from $218,264 to $414,228.

For more information

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Board of Ophthalmology

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the MGMA Physician Compensation and Production Survey: 2004 Report Based on 2003 Data. Reprinted with permission from the Medical Group Management Association, 104 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5306; 303.770.1111. www.mgma.com. Copyright 2004.

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