An ophthalmologist is a doctor specialized in eye diseases and vision. Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their scientific and academic level and therefore also in the levels of knowledge and training regarding the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Only ophthalmologists are doctors and as doctors who have completed medical school and specialized in Ophthalmology, they are the only ones who are prepared and licensed to prevent and treat eye and vision disease, practice medicine and surgery.

During an eye examination, your doctor will get a full medical history, including vision problems, correction you use (e.g. glasses or contact lenses), general health, family history and current medications. He or she will assess your visual acuity and perform, if necessary, a refraction test.

As an ophthalmologist, they can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery and prescribe and fit spectacles and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research.