Ophthalmologists are medically trained doctors with specialist skills in the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. Ophthalmologist deal with a range of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, squints, eye injuries, infectious eye diseases and degenerative conditions resulting from ageing. You will manage patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly, with acute and long-term eye conditions.

Ophthalmologists work in outpatient clinics, the operating theatre conducting surgery, laser eye surgery clinics and community clinics. There is also a limited amount of ward-based work available.

You can also work as a medical ophthalmologist if you're trained in general medicine as well as ophthalmology. As a medical ophthalmologist, you'll manage eye disorders that are specifically related to whole-body disease, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and stroke and will treat the patient as a whole - not just their eye condition.