how good of vision do u need to go into ophthalmology?

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SDNer

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i was wondering how good vision you'd need to go into ophtalmology or any of the other surgery-based specialties like ent. i've had floaters in my eyes for a couple of years and alwasy see them whenever i look through a microscope. would something like this affect one's ability to perform ophto procedures? (i.e. am i seeing the patient's floater or my floater?)
 
Originally posted by SDNer
i was wondering how good vision you'd need to go into ophtalmology or any of the other surgery-based specialties like ent. i've had floaters in my eyes for a couple of years and alwasy see them whenever i look through a microscope. would something like this affect one's ability to perform ophto procedures? (i.e. am i seeing the patient's floater or my floater?)

Most people have floaters. This is normal. I look at mine while I watch the kids play at the park on a nice day. 🙂

Ophthalmologists should have correctable vision to the 20/20 or 20/25 range. Most will be 20/15 corrected, particularly if there is interest in macular surgery.
 
Dr. Doan-
My vision's not so hot; would I be ruled out of doing ALL oph. because of it? Would I not get/ not be able to complete a residency due to my vision? Or do I just get left out of those more complex surgeries?

dc
 
Originally posted by bigdan
Dr. Doan-
My vision's not so hot; would I be ruled out of doing ALL oph. because of it? Would I not get/ not be able to complete a residency due to my vision? Or do I just get left out of those more complex surgeries?

dc

What is your best corrected vision?
 
As a side note,

Several Canadian ophthalmic residency programs require an ophthalmic evaluation including stereopsis as part of their application.

-sk
 
Several US programs do as well. I had to provide documentation of best corrected visual acuity for the University of Florida and Ohio State. At Mayo they actually did an exam as one of the "stations" of the interview day.
 
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