What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Ophthalmologists, also known as eye doctors, are physicians that specialize in eye and vision care. They diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medications, and perform eye surgeries, including laser procedures. Some ophthalmologists specialize in areas like glaucoma or corneal disease and may conduct research on eye diseases and vision problems.
For More Information:
American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/what-is-ophthalmologist
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
The majority of ophthalmologists work in private practice. Some work in hospitals or in universities.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $385,875
Entry-level salary: $268,371
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Physician Workforce Projections, 2021 – 2036, projects that there will be a shortage of ophthalmologists by 2036, indicating a continued need for them.
For More Information:
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Physician Workforce Projections:
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Medical school applicants need at least 90 undergraduate credits, with a bachelor’s degree preferred and a strong focus on science courses like physics, biology, and chemistry. They must take the MCAT before entering four years of medical school, followed by one year of internship. Ophthalmologists must also complete a 3 to 4 year ophthalmology residency, gaining specialized training in eye care, including diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Many ophthalmologists also pursue an additional one to two years of subspecialty training in areas such as glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.
For More Information:
American Academy of Ophthalmology:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/ophthalmology-training-certification
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed in New York, ophthalmologists, like all other physicians, must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete an accredited residency program, and pass medical licensing examinations. Certification is a voluntary process and is not required, but most ophthalmologists do become board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/physicians/license-requirements
American Board of Ophthalmology: https://abop.org/become-certified/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources for undergraduate education. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
Most medical schools offer need based and merit based scholarships, with the financial aid office serving as the primary resource for information on grants and loans. Once admitted, students should explore options with the school’s financial aid office. Scholarships are also available during medical school through the National Health Service Corps or through a number of state programs in exchange for a service commitment in a federally designated shortage area.
For More Information:
National Health Services Corps: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/prospective-scholars
Center for Health Workforce Studies: https://www.chwsny.org/service-obligated-programs/
American Medical Association Foundation: https://amafoundation.org/programs/scholarships/
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell | MD | Hempstead | Long Island | Visit |
Weill Cornell Medicine | MD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Denistry | MD | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | New York City | New York City | Visit |
SUNY Upstate Medical Center Norton College of Medicine | MD | Syracuse | Central NY | Visit |
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | MD | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University | MD | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
NYS Grossman School of Medicine | MD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
New York Medical College | MD | Valhalla | Hudson Valley | Visit |
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine | DO | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Univerity at Buffalo, SUNY | MD | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | MD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
CUNY School of Medicine | MD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | MD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Albert Einstein College of Medicine | MD | Bronx | New York City | Visit |
Albany Medical College | MD | Albany | Capital Region | Visit |