Why Is Optho such a Desireable Career?

[moops]

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How is the variety of the work? What's the money like, on average, and the hours?

 

[Andrew_Doan]

You should browse through the FAQ and decide for yourself.

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

How is the variety of the work?

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

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

 

[DireWolf]

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.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Originally posted by DireWolf
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.

 

[jkin]

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?

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Originally posted by jkin
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.

 

[GlaucomaMD]

Originally posted by jkin
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?

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...

 

[jkin]

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