An EyeMD/Ophthalmologist is a physician, either a doctor of medicine (M.D.), or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and the visual system, and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. An ophthalmologist has completed at least 12 years of training including: four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship in a hospital, and three or more years in an ophthalmology residency training program with experience in medical, surgical, and refractive eye care. Some EyeMD/ophthalmologists pursue additional sub-specialty training for one or more years in such areas as retina, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, oculoplastic and reconstructive suergery, neuro-ophthalmology, and uveitis. An EyeMD/ophthalmologist is a specialist who is qualified by lengthy medical education, training and experience to diagnose, treat, and manage all eye and visual system disorders, and is licensed by a state regulatory board to practice medicine and surgery. An EyeMD/ophthalmologist is a medically trained specialist who can deliver total eye care from routine exams to ultra-complex mircosurgery, as well as treat ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. An ophthalmologist has the same pharmacology training as any other doctor of medicine and can prescribe all medications, and perform both laser and ophthalmic surgical procedures. What is the difference between an ophthalmologist (EyeMD) and an optometrist (OD)? An ophthalmologist completes 4 years of medical school and has received a medical degree. Plus, an ophthalmologist performs a 1 year, 60 hour per week internship in the 5th year of post-graduate study. An ophthalmologist also trains at a hospital or university teaching program for 3 more years of post-graduate study for closely supervised, advanced medical training by leaders in the field of ophthalmology – a residency. By observing, treating and overseeing patients with sick eyes (not simple vision problems), ophthalmologists develop skills required for sound medical judgment. Almost all recent graduates pass a rigorous specialty board certification process. Optometrists don’t earn medical degrees; they receive no training in general medicine, a common sense prerequisite for prescribing drugs that affect the entire body. Optometry students generally don’t see patients with serious eye disease. Just 10% of optometrists perform an “optometric residency”, only some of which focus on ocular disease and are accredited. The American Optometric Association even rejected an optometric board certification system.