Specialty Ophthalmology Practices

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, June 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that focuses on treating and preventing eye disease. An ophthalmologist must have completed medical school, one year as an intern, and three years residency in ophthalmology where they receive specific training in performing things such as laser eye surgery, cataract removal, and surgeries that address refractive errors.

Some ophthalmologists choose to continue their education after this period to receive training in ophthalmology sub-specialties. This additional training and study is essential to providing a full range of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and providing patients with a one stop shop for all of their eye care needs.

Subspecialties of Ophthalmology

The American Association of Ophthalmologists defines an ophthalmology subspecialty as additional training and study in diseases and disorders involving:

- Cataract and anterior segment
- Corneal and external disease
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Ocular pathology and oncology
- Oculoplastics
- Pediatric ophthalmology including strabismus
- Refractive management and intervention
- Retina and vitreous
- Uveitis

When you are selecting an ophthalmologist, you want to choose someone who has received additional training in treating your particular disorder. Choosing an ophthalmologist with specific knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of your disorder helps ensure that proper, effective treatment is administered.

Finding an Experienced Ophthalmologist

When you begin looking for an ophthalmologist, take time to carefully review their website. On their website they will list their areas of practice, including any subspecialties they have trained in. Looking carefully at your prospective ophthalmologist's bio should let you know where and when they received this training. You want to choose an ophthalmologist who has received training from a reputable institution, and who has been in practice for a sufficient period of time. Training is important but should be combined with experience to ensure your absolute comfort and safety.

Looking for an ophthalmologist who can customize a treatment option for your particular disorder is important. Finding an office with several doctors who have different specialties can be very beneficial. In this way, if you should require future vision treatments, you can stay with the same office. Doctors with different specialties who work together are also better able to counsel one another to find the treatment best suited to meet your needs.

If you live in or around San Francisco and are looking for a group of dedicated, specialized ophthalmologists, please visit the website of Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to view all of the services we provide at www.lasikdocs.com.

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