Ophthalmic surgeons in the UK

An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. They may also be involved in eye research.

Consultant ophthalmologists go through 5 years of medical school and 2 years of internship in general medicine and surgery.  This is followed by another 7 years of ophthalmology specialist training and then an extra year of subspecialty fellowship training.

Ophthalmologists are usually subspecialised in one of a range of sub-specialties: these will be a specific area of eye care such as glaucoma, cornea and external disease, corneal transplant surgery, ophthalmic plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology and vitreoretinal diseases.

Oculoplastic surgeons combine ophthalmic surgery with plastic surgery and are trained in the use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and chemosurgery to treat ocular and orbital disease. 

Other ophthalmologists may specialise in areas such as cataracts, glaucoma, vitreo-retinal, medical retina, cornea and refractive surgery.

There are two professional bodies in the UK which represent ophthalmic surgeons:

• The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• The Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)

Featured ophthalmic surgeons