Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine which deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. The term ophthalmologist refers to a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems. Since ophthalmologists perform operations on eyes, they are considered to be both surgical and medical specialists.

The word ophthalmology comes from the Greek roots ophthalmos meaning eye and logos meaning word, thought, or discourse; ophthalmology literally means "the science of eyes". "Ophthalmology" is a common mis-hearing or mis-remembering of the term. As a discipline, it applies to animal eyes also, since the differences from human practice are surprisingly minor and are related mainly to differences in anatomy or prevalence, not differences in disease processes. However, veterinary medicine is regulated separately in many countries and states/provinces resulting in few ophthalmologists treating both humans and animals.

Professional requirements:

After completing MBBS degree, post-graduation in Ophthalmology is required. The degrees are Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine and Surgery (DOMS) or Diplomate of National Board (DNB). The concurrent training and work experience is in the form of a Junior Residency at a Medical College, Eye Hospital or Institution under the supervision of experienced faculty. Further work experience in form of fellowship, registrar or senior resident refines the skills of these eye surgeons. All India Ophthalmologic Society (AIOS) and various state level Ophthalmological Societies (like DOS) hold regular conferences and actively promote continuing medical education.

Sub-specialties:

Ophthalmology includes sub-specialties which deal either with certain diseases or diseases of certain parts of the eye. Some of them are:

• Anterior segment surgery
• Cataract — not usually considered a subspecialty per se, since most general ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery
• Cornea, ocular surface, and external disease
• Glaucoma
• Medical retina, deals with treatment of retinal problems through non-surgical means.
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Ocular oncology
• Oculoplastics & Orbit surgery
• Ophthalmic pathology
• Pediatric ophthalmology/Strabismus (mis-alignment of the eyes)
• Refractive surgery
• Uveitis/Immunology
• Veterinary Formal specialty training programs in veterinary ophthalmology now exist in some countries.
• Vitreo-retinal surgery, deals with surgical management of retinal and posterior segment diseases and disorders. Medical retina and vitreous-retinal surgery sometimes together called posterior segment subspecialisation.