Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Professional or Doctoral degree
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
High
Salary
Above $180,000
Job Growth
14.90%
Job Description:
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
What Ophthalmologist Do:
A medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. They also write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
How to Become One:
After completing a four year bachelor's degree, students then take four years of graduate education leading to a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.). After receiving a medical degree, students must complete a three year residency program in ophthalmology, following at least a one-year internship.