What education is needed to become an ophthalmologist?

Answer 1

Ophthalmologists' need extensive training after high school: four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three years of training as hospital residents in ophthalmology.

Answer 2

An ophthalmologist needs:

intellect to demonstrate thorough knowledge of ophthalmology and the inter-relationships between medical disciplines

hand-eye dexterity

to be detail oriented and well organised

to be a team player with leadership capabilities

to perform well under stress

to be personable and patient

able to communicate and empathise with patients

to enjoy working with patients of all ages who are generally healthy with specific eye problems

to like a patient mix of both surgical and medical problems

Answer 3

Assuming you are interested in becoming a general ophthalmologist, you are looking at the following:

Undergraduate degree (usually with honors)

4 years

Medical School (usually with an additional year of research)

4-5 years

Internship

1 year

Ophthalmology Residency

3 years

Total of 12-13 years of training after high school

If you desire to specialize in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cornea, Glaucoma, Retina, Neuroophthalmology, or Oculoplastics you are looking at another two years of training for a total of 14-15 years of training.

Hope this helped.

Sincerely,

David Richardson, M.D.

Medical Director

San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc.

Website: http://www.sgveye.com/

Blog: http://www.about-eyes.com/

San Gabriel Office:

207 S. Santa Anita St., Suite P-25

San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 289-7856

Pasadena Office:

800 E. Colorado Blvd.

Suite 450

Pasadena, CA 91101

(626) 289-2223

Answer 4

To become an oculoplastic surgeon, a person first must have a bachelor's degree in a medically related field such as pre-med or Biology, before he or she enrolls in medical school. The requirements to graduate from medical school vary in each country, but a person needs a combination of classroom learning and hospital residency with specialization on eye surgery and plastic surgery.

Answer 5

Ophthalmology is a medical specialty that involves the study and treatment of the diseases of the eyes, hair around the eye, the lacrimal system, and the eyelids. Opthalmology may also involve surgical procedures in the treatment of these diseases, therefore opthalmology is both a surgical and medical specialty. There are a number of different sub-specialties within the field of opthalmology that deal with specific diseases or specific parts of the eye. Some of these sub-specialties include opthalmic pathology, refractive surgery, neuro-opthalmology, and pediatric opthalmology. Certain eye diseases, such as cataracts or glaucoma, may be a concentration of an opthalmologist; while not sub-specialties, these diseases may require specialized training or experience in order to become proficient in their treatment. Opthalmologists in the United States must possess either a Doctorate of Medicine or a Doctorate in Osteopathy. In order to receive these diplomas, the opthalmologist must complete an intense training that involves university study and both residency and internship training in addition to 2 to 4 years of postgraduate training in opthalmology. After completing a four year university degree, the prospective opthalmologist must enter an accredited medical school. Each medical school has different requirements for admission, although most require the completion of the MCAT at a minimum score, a minimum g.p.a. in the prospective student’s undergraduate studies, and an interview with the medical school, among other criteria. Once admission to a medical school is granted, the typical opthalmologist completes a four year medical degree that involve training in the major medical specialties in addition to opthalmology. After receiving a medical school degree, the prospective opthalmologist will have to complete a 2 to 4 year residency that involves all major medical specialties in addition to opthalmology. This training is conducted at a training hospital or other training institution which involves medical training in the treatment of a medical doctor in a real world situation. Once the residency has been completed, there will be additional training in opthalmology which typically lasts from 2 to 4 years. The level and length of additional training will be contingent on the type of practice that the prospective opthalmologist is planning to undertake. For instance, an opthalmologist who is planning a surgical practice will require more training than one who is not planning to do surgical work. Once all of the training has been completed, the prospective opthalmologist will submit their training and credentials to the opthalmology board in the state in which the prospective opthalmologist plans to practice. After receiving a certification from this board, the opthalmologist may then practice opthalmology under the parameters that they have been certified in by the state board. Opthalmology was the first medical branch to offer board certification; this practice is now standard among all medical branches.

Answer 6

An M.D. A four degree then medical school then speciality in opthalmology.