What is an Ophthalmologist?

The human body is a vastly complex interelated system, requiring more than a fix-by-the-part approach.

Warren Hill, M.D., FACS Board Certified Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor, an M.D., possessing a competence that is both general and unique. It is general in that it encompasses the huge measure of medical knowledge of the entire human body, and unique in that it further specializes in the eyes. This competence allows the ophthalmologist to diagnose and treat disorders of the complete visual system, as well as to recognize and appropriately manage their associated systemic diseases.

An ophthalmologist receives a minimum of twelve years of post-high school education, which typically includes four years of college, four years of medical school, one or more years of general clinical training, and a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During that residency, ophthalmologists receive intensive training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis, management and medical and surgical treatment of ocular diseases and disorders.

Many ophthalmologists then spend additional years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (such as glaucoma, retinal diseases, or pediatric ophthalmology.) Plus, as required by law, education is an ongoing, permanent part of their lives.

Many, but not all, ophthalmologists are "Board Certified." A Board Certified ophthalmologist has passed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology, designed to fully assess the physcian's knowledge, experience and skills. Some ophthalmologists also have a subspecialty Board Certification by the American Board of Eye Surgeons in one or more specific areas of eye surgery.

The letters F.A.C.S. ( Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon's name are a further indication of a surgeon's qualifications. Surgeons who become "Fellows of the College" have passed a comprehensive evaluation of their surgical training and skills. They also have demonstrated their commitment to high standards of ethical conduct. This evaluation is conducted according to national standards that were established to ensure that patients receive the best possible surgical care.

Education for Ophthalmologists

Neal Nirenberg, M.D., FACS Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Education for ophthalmologists consists of undergraduate education in science and humanities, graduation from an accredited four year medical school, and a minimum of four post-graduate years of training, at least one year of which is applied to general medical disciplines.

Three or more of these years are spent in specialized training in the art and science ophthalmology - a specialized discipline of caring for the eyes and the visual system based on medical principles.

Comprehensive medical training and experience permit and foster recognition of the spectrum of normal physical variation, understanding of normal physiologic and pathophysiologic reactions (including cause/effect relationships), knowledge of the boundaries of medical science, judgement to apply accumulated wisdom appropriately, and humanity to attend with honesty and empathy.

Why This Is Important:

Your ophthalmologist possesses highly trained surgical skill and understands the evolution of the healing process. He diagnoses, monitors and manages complications in an appropriate and timely manner. The care you receive as a patient includes the preoperative and postoperative periods - those times when the patient is at risk from all aspects of the procedure. This sets a standard for special competence in ophthalmic surgery.

Through extensive education and experience, your ophthalmologist applies a comprehensive understanding of both ophthalmic and whole-body systemic disease and conditions to your individual concern. This knowledge extends through your comprehensive eye examination, appropriate diagnostic testing and interpretation (including avoidance of unnecessary procedures and complications).

If you would like further information, please call our office at:

480-981-6111

The Best Possible Eye Care

The eye surgeons of East Valley Ophthalmology perform the full scope of advanced technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well as taking the time necessary to provide each patient the personal education needed to fully understand their condition and get the best possible outcomes for their patients. If you or a family member or friend have not had a recent eye examination, please take a moment to Request an Appointment.