Patient Information

The ASO wants to help patients, families and carers better understand specialist eye healthcare.
Who delivers it, how it is delivered, and the best ways to navigate your own eye health treatment journey.
We want every person to feel informed and in control when it comes to their eye health journey.

Below are some resources developed for patients by the ASO.

WHAT IS AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST?

An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the eye and visual system.

Ophthalmologists are trained and registered to provide total care of eyes: from performing comprehensive eye examinations to prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing diseases and disorders of the eye, and carrying out the medical and surgical procedures necessary for their treatment.

Ophthalmologists practice medicine and surgery — providing both primary care and highly specialised treatment. They are the only providers of laser and surgical correction of eye disorders.

 

IN AUSTRALIA TO TRAIN AS AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST, A PERSON MUST:

  • complete a Bachelor Medicine (4-6 years)
  • fulfil internship, residency, and registrar training (4-6 years)
  • achieve Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (2 years).

All ophthalmologists practising in Australia must be registered
with the Medical Board through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.