 |
|
|
Information for the General Public
What is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists are physicians specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of the eyes and vision. Ophthalmologists are the only practitioners medically trained to diagnose and treat all eye and visual problems including vision services (glasses and contacts) and provide treatment and prevention of medical disorders of the eye including surgery. In the United States, in order to become an ophthalmologist, one must have completed four years of college, four years of medical school and four to five years of additional specialized training. Certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience designed to assure quality eye care for the American people.
Information About Eye Care and Ophthalmology
The American Board of Ophthalmology is happy to respond to inquiries from the public about ophthalmology certification issues. However, the Board does not have the resources to respond to inquiries from the public about eye care or ophthalmology that do not relate specifically to certification.
How to find out if your ophthalmologist is certified?
A patient or prospective patient can find out if an ophthalmologist is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology by utilizing one of the following methods:
- Call or write the Board at:
American Board of Ophthalmology
111 Presidential Boulevard, Suite 241
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-1075
Phone 610-664-1175
- Refer to the publication The Official American Board of Medical Specialties Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists (ABMS). This publication of Marquis Who’s Who can be found in regional, main or medical libraries.
- Use the ABMS web site at www.abms.org
- Verify the certification of any medical specialist certified by one of the 24 medical specialty boards of the ABMS by calling 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267).
How do I find a particular specialist or the qualifications of my own physician?
The American Board of Ophthalmology, as a certification body, will respond to inquiry from the public about certification and the certification process. It is not within the purview of the Board to recommend an ophthalmologist or to comment on general eye care, surgical procedures or techniques. However, information of this sort can be found by contacting a local teaching hospital in your area. If you cannot locate a teaching hospital in your area, call the Board office at 610-664-1175.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
|
|
