How To Become an Opthamologist: Education Requirements

An opthamologist will have to do a 3 to 5-year residency in an approved ophthalmology program, after completing medical school and internship. Besides, they have to appear for an examination to get certified. Most American medical schools require MCAT scores for admission. In simple terms, an Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the eye. However, an opthamologist is different from an optometrist in that the latter is a non-medical practitioner, completing a post-graduate program. Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. In ophthalmology, residency consists of at least 3 full years devoted to the medical and surgical care of the eye.