Definition: The practice consists of all aspects of eye care, including medical and surgical, and most recently, nutritional subjects. The practice also covers all aspects of eye power corrections including laser surgery, contact lenses and eyeglasses.
An ophthalmologist is that Eye Care Specialist who was first trained in all aspects of medicine. He/she gained an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree and then chose to continue on in education as a resident in ophthalmology for either three or four years. He/she was then trained to practice in general ophthalmology.
The patient population eligible for the general ophthalmologist's care covers the entire age spectrum from premature infant to elderly senior citizen.
Children's Issues in Ophthalmology:
The visual system in the brain of a child is still developing until approximately 9 years of age. This leads to a completely different set of problems that affect children's vision. Infections, cataracts, glaucoma, lazy eye (amblyopia) and ocular misalignment (strabismus) in children can lead to permanent visual loss lasting into adulthood. Children require periodic examinations to search for predisposing factors that lead to permanent visual deficits. The doctor can detect subtle abnormalities that need to be corrected while the child is very young if he or she is to enjoy good vision as an adult.
Supporting Information:
Population Examples, people who would benefit from a general ophthalmologist's care.
Eye Exam Schedule, current recommendations for optimal ages for comprehensive examinations.
The ophthalmologist's recommendations can be for ophthalmic treatment such as eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Or the recommendation can be for non-ophthalmic treatment. In short, the general ophthalmologist represents the best trained provider of primary general eye care a patient can find.
General Ophthalmology Physicians:
Dr Todd, Dr. Wallace, and Dr. Zudans
Note: The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care. If you are having any problems with your eyes, you should see your ophthalmologist or optometrist for diagnosis and treatment.
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