Bellevue LASIK & Cornea - What is an Ophthalmologist?

    SEATTLE, WA, February 25, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- An ophthalmologist is the most highly trained of the several types of eye specialists, and the only one required to have a medical degree. Ophthalmologists, also, are the only eye specialists trained and licensed to perform the various eye surgeries designed to preserve, improve or restore vision.

Definition of Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has specialized in medical and surgical diagnosis and treatment of eyes, prevention of eye disease and injury, eye exams, prescription therapy by way of lenses or medications (or both), and treatment of diseases caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, or by other causes such as aging. Many ophthalmologists are involved in research for causes and cures of eye diseases.

Extensive Ophthalmology Training

- A four-year college degree.
- Medical school certification four years (medical doctor M.D., or doctor of osteopathy D.O. don't confuse with O.D. which is a doctor of optometry - an optometrist, not an ophthalmologist)
- Accredited internship and residency program three to four years minimum per Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
- Optional fellowship program training one to two years following residency.
- Training in anesthesia administration.
- Training in pharmacology (prescription medications).
- Board certifications and exams by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) to establish competency.
- Licensure by state regulatory agency, which requires minimum qualifications for education and Board Certification.

What Subspecialties Do Ophthalmologists Study During A Fellowship?

- Corneal diseases
- Retina and vitreous (vitreoretinal) diseases
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Opthalmic plastic surgery
- Ophthalmic pathology

What Treatments Do Ophthalmologists Offer?
Ophthalmologists can provide all of the care an optometrist can offer plus medical and surgical treatment of other eye diseases and disorders. An ophthalmologist can dispense or prescribe medications and can administer anesthesia during surgery. Ophthalmologist services include a wide range of treatments, but not all ophthalmologists offer all of these.

- LASIK
- SBK
- Lasek
- PRK, ASA
- CK
- Epi-LASIK
- Phakic IOL
- Refractive lens exchange
- INTACS
- Cataract surgery
- Glucoma management
- Diabetic eye care
- Corneal transplant
- Eye exams
- Prescription lenses

If you are near Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and Tacoma, Washington and need the specialized services of an ophthalmologist please visit the website of Bellevue LASIK & Cornea in Bellevue, Washington to learn more about the many options for improving your vision.

Website: http://www.bellevue-lasik.com

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