Why Is Optho such a Desireable Career?

You should browse through the FAQ and decide for yourself.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66427

If you browse through the cases presented, then you'll gain some understanding what ophthalmologists see and do.

http://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/

 

Dr. Doan,

What are the "bread and butter" cases that a general ophthalmologist in private practice would see on a regular basis? As a resident, you probably get to see a little of everything. But in general private practice, what can you expect to see a lot?

Thanks.

 

Cataracts, refractive surgeries, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD, retinal detachments, strabismus, iritis/uveitis, ptosis/dermatochalasis, lid bumps (benign and malignant), and trauma.

Cataract extraction is the most common surgery in the world.
Refractive surgery is the #2 most common surgery in the world.

With the baby boomers getting older, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD, and oculoplastics will remain the bread and butter cases.

 

How much of ophthalmology is strictly sent to a retina doc? Isn't the future (macular degeneration, blindness....) going to rely on the retina specialists?

 

General ophthalmologists follow and treat AMD, diabetics, and retinal tears/detachments. Retina docs usually deal with the more severe cases that require surgical intervention.

 

Gee, I didn't realize "blindness" was the "future"

Seriously, vitreoretinal surgeons get to do interesting surgeries, but so do other opthalmologists. Plenty of fun to go around for everyone...

 

I was not trying to say retina was better. Just looking for answers.