Ophthalmologists
This paper explores the different facets of ophthalmology, including its definitions, its practitioners, its patients, statistics relevant to it and others.
An ophthalmologist is a medical practitioner who deals with eye and vision care. In oder to become one, he/she undergoes college and an additional eight years of medical training. This field deals with both medicine and surgery. This type of doctor prescribes eyewear such as contact lenses and eyeglasses and also performs necessary surgeries to treat problems affecting the eye. In addition, he/she is also involved with scientific research in order to improve the care of eye and vision problems.
Some practitioners may choose to specialize in a branch of ophthalmology. For instance, he/she may choose the subspecialty of glaucoma. This may entail an additional one or two years of special training. Other subspecialties include cornea, retina, pediatrics, neurology and plastic surgery. (“What is an Ophthalmologist?”)
This professional may work at the hospital, eye clinics or established private practice. They may be assisted by optometrists, opticians, ophthalmic nurses and other members of the health care team.
In a study by Bellan et al., it’s been found out that there are 3.35 ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Canada. Given that 3 per 100,000 is the ideal ratio, the statistics appear to be stable. However, the growth of the population above 65 years old may compromise this stability of the ratio. (165) The International Council for Ophthalmology also states that there are currently 1,137 ophthalmologists in practice and training as of 2012.
In summation, ophthalmologists are comprehensive providers of total eye health care. This specialty plays an important role in the treatment of vision problems as well as the prevention of the said illnesses.
References
Bellan, Lorne, Lynda Buske, Susan Wang, and Yvonne M. Buys. "The Landscape of Ophthalmologists in Canada: Present and Future." Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology / Journal Canadien D'Ophtalmologie 48.3 (2013): 160-66. Web.
"What Is an Ophthalmologist?" American Academy of Ophthalmology. 01 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 Feb. 2016. <http://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/what-is-ophthalmologist>.
