Ophthalmology is a surgical specialty that focuses on the structure and function of the eye, as well as the diseases and abnormalities that affect them.

Note that some ophthalmologists (or ophthalmologists) can direct their activity towards specialties, and in particular:

• surgery from cataract ;
• refractive surgery;
• diseases of the retina;
• or the glaucomes.

The ophthalmologist is interested in many conditions, including:

• a visual defect, such as myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia or astigma;
• retinal detachment;
• a cataract;
• age-related macular degeneration (AMD);
• glaucoma;
• or even diabetic retinopathy.

Note that it is the ophthalmologist who prescribes the correct corrective lenses, depending on the patient’s pathology.

Certain diseases are recognized as being able to influence the integrity and the functioning of the eye. Let us quote for example:

• diabetes (³);
• arterial hypertension³;
• certain rheumatism;
• certain infectious diseases;
• or neurological diseases.

The ophthalmologist is likely to offer optical, medical and surgical care.

To reach a diagnosis and try to treat your patient:

• it begins with an interrogation, in particular to identify any personal or family antecedents;
• he performs a rigorous clinical examination. For example, he examines the funds of the eyes, he performs a complete check of the ocular environments, he takes intraocular pressure, or he performs vision tests;
• he can perform surgical procedures, such as refractive surgery, eyelids, cataracts, glaucoma or even macular surgery.

Note that the specialist also plays an important role in the detection and prevention of diseases affecting the eye.

Depending on the patient’s problem, the ophthalmologist may in particular have to use:

• a biomicroscope (or slit lamp), to examine the different structures of the eye at high magnification;
• a tonometer, to measure intraocular pressure;
• an ophthalmoscope, to examine the back of the eye;
• or a laser, for refractive surgery for example.

The consultation with an ophthalmologist does not involve any particular risks for the patient. However, if he has to perform surgery, then certain complications are possible, and it is his role to explain them clearly to you.

Training to become an ophthalmologist in France

To become an ophthalmologist, the student must obtain a diploma of specialized studies (DES) in ophthalmology:

• he must first follow, after his baccalaureate, 6 years at the faculty of medicine
• at the end of the 6th year, students take the national classifying tests to enter the boarding school. Depending on their classification, they will be able to choose their specialty and their place of practice. The ophthalmology internship, at the end of which the student obtains a DES in ophthalmology, lasts 5 years.

Finally, to be able to practice and carry the title of doctor, the student must also defend a research thesis.

The training to become an ophthalmologist hasu Quebec

After college studies, the student must:

• follow a doctorate in medicine, lasting 1 or 4 years (with or without a preparatory year for medicine for students admitted with a college or university training deemed insufficient in basic biological sciences);
• then specialize by following a residency in ophthalmology, for 5 years.

To find an ophthalmologist:

• in Quebec, you can contact the association of ophthalmologists of Quebecâ ?? ´;
• in France, you can consult the website of the Ordre des médecins (â ?? µ).

When the consultation is prescribed by an attending physician, it is covered by the Health Insurance (France) or the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.