What are the differences between ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians?

Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians are all eye care providers whose scopes of practice are defined by the types of training they receive.

An Ophthalmologist is a physician -- an MD or DO -- who has completed a four year undergraduate degree, a four-year medical degree followed by a 1-year internship and 3-year (or more) residency in ophthalmology.

Ophthalmologists (MD or DO) can:
-- prescribe glasses and contact lenses
-- diagnose eye abnormalities and disease
-- treat all eye conditions and disease, including those of the surrounding flesh, bones, and muscle with surgery (conventional and laser surgery), medications, etc.
-- diagnose other conditions and illnesses based on symptoms evident in the eyes and refer patients to another appropriate physician for treatment
--fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses
_______________________________
An Optometrist is not a medical doctor, but receives the degree of OD at a 4-year optometry school after completing four (or sometimes three) years of undergraduate study.

Optometrists (OD) can:
-- prescribe glasses and contact lenses
-- diagnose eye abnormalities and disease
-- treat some types of eye disease
-- diagnose other conditions and illnesses based on symptoms evident in the eyes and refer patients to another appropriate physician for treatment
--fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses
_______________________________
An Optician is a technician who has either earned a 2-year optician degree from a community college or has learned while on the job.

Opticians can:
--fit, adjust and dispense eyeglasses

Best Ophtalmology materials can be obtained here

Can optometrists do minor surgeries, laser surgeries, or intraocular surgeries?

In 49 of 50 states, it is illegal for optometrists to do any of the above. In Oklahoma, because of aggressive optometry lobbying, optometrists (OD) may perform some laser procedures. A recent OK bill will permit OK optometrists to become ophthalmologists with the Optometry Board deciding which surgeries can and cannot be done.

 

What are the different sub-specialties in ophthalmology?

General ophthalmologists can treat the majority of eye diseases medically and surgically. If fellowship training is desired, there are several different sub-specialties including:
- Cataract / General
- Cornea
- Glaucoma
- Lasik / Refractive
- Neuro
- Ocular Pathology
- Oculoplastics
- Pediatric
- Vitreo-retinal

After fellowship, physicians may concentrate solely on their sub-specialty or practice general ophthalmology with an emphasis on their trained sub-specialty. For instance, ocular pathologists usually practice general ophthalmology, perform surgery, and concentrate on pathology.

I am interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology. Where should I start?

In medical school, talk to the medical student rotation director for ophthalmology. Arrange to do an ophthalmology elective during the end of your third year. This will allow you to explore the field and build relationships with attendings and staff who can write a letter of support for your application. Doing your first ophthalmology elective as a fourth year is too late because applications should be submitted to the Central Application Service before September of your fourth year of medical school.

Should I do a rotation at a different program as a medical student?

This is a great idea if you're interested in doing a residency at a specific program. Completing a rotation at an outside institution will allow the faculty to know you better and increase your chances of being recognized during the selection process. However, this experience may also work against you if you're not liked.

Is there a good book to teach me about examination techniques?

I recommend these books published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

"Practical Ophthalmology, A Manual for Beginning Residents"

Edited by Fred M Wilson II, MD

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...3

"Basic Ophthalmology for Medical Students and Primary Care Residents"

by Cynthia A. Bradford

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...3

What is a good source for preparation to Ophthalmology Board exam

Look for Osler Ophthalmology

What is the Central Application Service (CAS)?

This is a centralized application service for ophthalmology and a few other medical specialties. You submit all your letters and application materials to this service. The service will then send copies of your applications to the programs you are applying to. The Dean?s letter is sent after November when CAS receives it. The website is www.sfmatch.org.

Ophthalmology is an early match and results are known in January. This allows time for students to arrange for an internship program which is organized by the NRMP ( http://www.nrmp.org ).

How competitive is ophthalmology?

All applicants must be graduates from a medical school with the M.D. or D.O. degree.

Applicants are very strong candidates with good grades in medical school, excellent board scores, demonstrated interest in ophthalmology, and outstanding letters of recommendation. Here are some statistics from the 2001 match:

CAS Participants: 798 (662 rank lists submitted)
Matched Participants: 435 (379 were new US Seniors, 83% of new US Seniors matched)
Matched Avg. USMLE I: 224
Unmatched Avg. USMLE I: 206
Avg. applications: 36
Avg. interviews: 7.5
Number of FMG?s matched: 23

For the 2004 Match:
CAS Participants: 786 (639 rank lists submitted)
Matched Participants: 438 (369 were new US Seniors, 82% of new US Seniors matched)
Matched Avg. USMLE I: 228
Unmatched Avg. USMLE I: 218
Avg. applications: 41
Avg. interviews: 7.9 (Average offers 4)
Number of FMG?s matched: 35
Percent Matched AOA - 20%

For the 2005 Match:
CAS Participants: 761 (596 rank lists submitted)
Matched Participants: 443 (374 were new US Seniors, 86% of new US Seniors matched)
Matched Avg. USMLE I: 229
Unmatched Avg. USMLE I: 213
Avg. applications: 43
Avg. interviews: 8.4 (Average offers 4.4)
Number of FMG?s matched: 34

How many interviews do I need to ensure matching at a program?

Historically, applicants who have at least 7-8 interviews have the most likelihood of matching. However, with recent competition rising, most people will encourage the completion of 10 or more interviews, depending on your competitiveness

Best Ophtalmology materials can be obtained here

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