Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Ophthalmology

Nature of the work

An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision care for patients of all ages. Ophthalmologists are medically trained to diagnose, monitor, and medically or surgically treat all ocular and visual disorders. They also provide consultative services for the diagnosis and management of ocular manifestation of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and infectious and noninfectious inflammation. This includes problems affecting the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the orbit, and the visual pathways. In so doing, an ophthalmologist prescribes vision services, including glasses and contact lenses.¹

Training/residency information

Residency training in ophthalmology is four years.

Salary information

The annual salary for ophthalmologists ranges from $150,000 - 351,000 for full-time medical school faculty.²

For more information

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Board of Ophthalmology

References
1 The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties. Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2008.
2 Association of American Medical Colleges. Report on Medical School Faculty Salaries 2007-2008. Washington, DC: AAMC; January 2009.

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