How to Become an Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist differs from other eye specialists. The prerequisites to becoming an ophthalmologist are earning a B.S. degree in a related field, and then going to medical school and passing your Boards to become an M.D. Afterwards, there will be a three to four year residency program devoted towards ophthalmology. At least one year of internship in ophthalmology is necessary. 

1. Begin preparing as early as possible. An ophthalmologist differs from optometrists and other eye specialists. Ophthalmologists have to undergo extensive training which allows them to treat and diagnose eye problems including being able to perform eye surgery.


2. Get the best grades possible in high school. Take college courses early if this is offered, and work hard to get the best scores possible on your SAT exam.


3. Apply to a college program to earn your B.S. degree in a science or chemistry field. Some schools offer pre-med program choices. Strive to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average or better. Competition for medical school is intense.


4. Take medical school entrance exams by your junior year of college. This test is rigorous, so time and preparation for this test should be a student’s priority.


5. Strive to get into the best medical school that you can. An Ophthalmologist must first earn an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) during medical school. This will provide basic background in all areas of medicine, and will allow a person to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Typically medical school takes four years. Two years are usually devoted to classroom and laboratory sessions with the remaining two years doing extensive rotations at different clinical settings.


6. Enter a residency program for ophthalmology. This will take three to four years.


7. Pass the American Board of Ophthalmology exam, which is voluntary. Most employers will require it.


8. Consider taking one to two years of subspecialty Fellowship Program training to treat specific eye disorders after completing at least one year of your residency as an ophthalmologist intern.