Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont

Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in
diagnosing and treating conditions of the eyes.
Ophthalmologists are required to have medical
degrees and they treat patients of all ages who have
vision-threatening diseases and disorders.
Ophthalmologists perform surgeries that may be
used to treat conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Ophthalmologists examine the internal and
external structures of the eye, give eye-sight exams,
and may use medications, corrective lenses, or eye
patches to treat their patients.
Education Programs
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Office of Admissions
E-215 Given
89 Beaumont Avenue
Burlington, VT 05405
802-656-2154
www.med.uvm.edu
Professional Organization
American Academy of Ophthalmology
San Francisco, CA
415-561-8500
www.aao.org/aao
Work Environments
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
University teaching programs
Job Outlook
Ophthalmologists, like other physicians, are highly trained
professionals, and as such, will always be in demand.
Continuing advances in the use of surgery (instead of
glasses) to correct vision problems like nearsightedness
will probably create even more demand in the future.
Salary
Like other physicians, ophthalmologists tend to earn
high salaries, usually between $100,000 to $200,000
per year or more due to the length and difficulty of their
training. Salaries vary according to specialty, geographic
region, and whether a physician works in the public or
private sector.
Education, Certification and Licensing
High school course work for students aspiring to an
ophthalmology career should include a strong emphasis
on math and science, followed by an undergraduate
career that focuses on one of the natural sciences.
Excellent grades along the way are important. An
ophthalmologist must complete a minimum of 12 years
of higher education. This education includes four years
of college, four more years of medical school, one or
more years of general clinical training, and three or
more years in a hospital-based eye residency program.
Any specialization in the area of ophthalmology may
require an additional year or more of fellowship training
beyond residency.
FACTOID: Information about eye conditions and ophthalmology were recorded on an ancient Egyptian
papyrus (circa 1600 B.C.) showing that the specialty was relatively advanced at that time.
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