Essential Information
Ophthalmologists should hold a bachelor's degree, complete a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program and participate in an ophthalmology residency within a hospital for three years. Ph.D. in Ophthalmology programs are frequently offered as part of dual M.D./Ph.D. programs; they're also designed for prospective university teachers or scientific researchers who already hold a professional medical degree. Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based and culminate in a dissertation, while M.D. programs with residencies emphasize hands-on clinical practice with patients. Those interested in enrolling in a master's program are advised to apply to pre-ophthalmology or pre-optometry bachelor's degree programs.
A bachelor's degree is necessary for acceptance into a master's program. Most Ph.D. programs will expect applicants to have some experience with ophthalmology or optometry, including previous coursework in math, science and anatomy.
M.D. with Residency in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in treating and diagnosing ailments of the eye. Such problems can include diseases like cataracts or glaucoma; injuries; and problems with vision, like farsightedness. Ophthalmologists have more specialized training in the eye than family doctors and, contrary to optometrists, have completed medical school and have knowledge of general medicine and surgery. Because of this training, ophthalmologists often get referrals of patients with serious eye disorders from optometrists and family physicians. Coursework in a medical school program includes general health studies, such as anatomy and physiology. Aspiring ophthalmologists will also learn about:
- Retcam retinal imaging
- Automated analysis of visual fields
- Ultra-sonography
- Strabismus surgery
Ph.D. in Ophthalmology
Master's degrees in ophthalmology are almost always awarded as parts of M.D. or Ph.D. programs, and Ph.D. programs are often parts of dual degree programs offering both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Doctorate degrees in ophthalmology are best for students who already have a medical degree or wish to pursue a medical degree simultaneously. Graduates of these programs also usually have an interest in teaching and doing academic research.
One important component to nearly all ophthalmology programs is a teaching component, in which students either teach undergraduate science courses or assist tenured professors. Here are some courses common to most ophthalmology Ph.D. programs:
- Vision research
- Statistics
- Neurobiology
- Computer science
- Physiology
Popular Career Options
In addition to working in a hospital or medical office as an ophthalmologist, graduates of Ph.D. programs can work as:
- Professors
- Researchers
- Teachers
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2020, those in all other physicians and surgeons category, including ophthalmologists, earned a mean annual salary of $218,850. The BLS predicts that the employment of physicians and surgeons, which includes ophthalmologists, would grow 4% from 2019-2029.
Multiple forms of degrees in opthalmology give students many options of what capacity to work in as an eye doctor. Those interested in working with patients may wish to pursue a medical doctoral degree, while a Ph.D. is ideal for those interested in research.
