What is an Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (physicians) who, after completing medical school (4 years in general), then complete 5 to 7 years of residency and fellowship training in ophthalmology.  They train 12 months per year, and during their training provide thousands of hours of on-call services. They are specifically trained in general medical care, as well as all aspects of diagnosing and treating ophthalmic disease medically, surgically, and with lasers.  In order to be licensed in British Columbia, they must pass Medical Council of Canada exams, undergo five years of residency training at an accredited university program and pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada specialty exams.