What an ophthalmologist does
An ophthalmologist may:
- diagnose eye conditions
- decide on the best treatment
- monitor long-term eye disease
- perform eye surgery
- manage urgent and complex eye problems
- work with other professionals involved in your care.
They work in hospital eye clinics, emergency eye care and surgical services, and they often support patients with both short-term and long-term eye conditions.
When you might see an ophthalmologist
You may be referred to an ophthalmologist if:
- an optometrist or GP thinks you need specialist assessment
- you have an eye condition that needs treatment or monitoring
- you need eye surgery
- you have sudden or serious symptoms
- your eye problem is complex or needs hospital-based care.
Ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals
Eye care is delivered by a team. Depending on your needs, your care may also involve optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses, technicians, clinical scientists and other healthcare professionals.
Different professionals support different parts of your care, and you may see more than one person during diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An optometrist usually provides routine eye care, sight tests and checks for signs of eye disease.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in medical and surgical eye care. They diagnose and treat eye disease, manage more complex cases and perform surgery.
Both play an important role in caring for patients, and many people will see both at different stages of their care.
Common conditions ophthalmologists treat
Ophthalmologists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- cataract
- glaucoma
- age-related macular degeneration
- retinal conditions
- eye injuries
- urgent eye problems.
What happens after referral?
After referral, you may have tests, scans or a specialist examination. Your ophthalmologist will explain your diagnosis, discuss treatment options and arrange follow-up care if needed.
Some care takes place in a hospital eye clinic, while some follow-up may be shared with other eye care professionals in hospital or community settings.