1. Ophthalmology (, OFF-thal-MOL-ə-jee) is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and disorders. Ophthalmologists also diagnose systemic (other parts of the body) diseases using changes seen in the eyes. An ophthalmologist is a physician with an MD or DO degree who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care. Following a medical degree, a doctor specializing in ophthalmology must pursue additional postgraduate residency training specific to that field. In the United States, following graduation from medical school, one must complete a four-year residency in ophthalmology to become an ophthalmologist. Following residency, additional sub-specialty training (or fellowship) may be sought in a particular aspect of eye diseases. Ophthalmologists prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, implement laser therapy, and perform surgery when needed. Ophthalmologists provide both primary and specialty eye care—medical and surgical... from wikipedia.org