An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor that specializes in medical care of the eye and its associated functions. The educational and field training required for ophthalmologists is rigorous, consisting of four years of medical school, one year of internship and a minimum of three years of residency.
The extensive training ensures that patients will receive optimal care for their vision related needs including diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures. An ophthalmologist differs from an optometrist in both their respective educational backgrounds and work experience. Compared with the lengthy schooling required for medical doctors, an optometrist has generally completed undergraduate school and continued to a four-year college of optometry resulting in a vast difference in the scope of services that optometrists are skilled and prepared to provide for their patients.
At the conclusion of the residency period an ophthalmologist is eligible to continue their studies for an additional year or two by completing a fellowship and training for a subspecialty area. Physicians who specialize in a focused area are a crucial resource to eye doctors providing general services as they are capable of providing treatment in the areas of pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, cornea disease, plastic surgery, and neuro-ophthalmology. Eye care providers function as part of a healthcare team which includes the ophthalmic medical assistant, registered nurse, optician and ophthalmic technicians. Whether an individual is seeking a routine eye examination or requires surgical treatment to resolve a vision problem the medical team is prepared to provide comprehensive services. Finding an office served by ophthalmologists in Charleston that provides excellent patient care in a supportive environment is integral to the satisfaction of someone who requires optometric care.
Although an ophthalmologist does not have to be board-certified to practice medicine, those that are board-certified have demonstrated a level of competence in the area of eye and vision medicine through the completion of a demanding written and oral examination process. The American Board of Ophthalmology is the board which governs the certification of physicians in this field and is one of 24 medical-centered certifying boards in the United States. In addition, candidates for certification are expected to adhere to providing patient care in a compassionate, respectful manner therefore maintaining the dignity of the individual. Ophthalmologists in Charleston empathize with their patients desire to attain and maintain excellent vision throughout their lifetime and are prepared to do so through continued education, proficiency in current techniques and advances in technology while serving in a professional, ethical manner.
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