What it is
Ophthalmologists are physicians who medically and surgically treat the eyes and visual system — from glasses and glaucoma to cataract and retinal surgery.
What you do
They diagnose and treat eye disease, prescribe correction, and perform eye surgery; distinct from optometrists (non-physician) and opticians.
Training path & length
4-year residency (after a preliminary year), with fellowships.
Fellowship subspecialties
Fellowships include retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology.
Pay & job outlook
Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $275,930 for physicians and surgeons (May 2025), with employment projected to grow about 4% from 2025 to 2035. Pay varies by specialty — procedural and surgical fields generally earn more.
Ophthalmologists earn above the physician median.
How to get there
Become a physician first: earn an MD or DO, then match into this residency. Licensure requires completing residency and passing the board exams.
Explore further
Keep exploring this part of the resource:
Key facts
- Residency4 years
- TreatsEyes & vision (medical + surgical)
- FellowshipsRetina, cornea, glaucoma, peds, oculoplastics
- Vs optometryOphthalmologists are physicians who operate
- EntryMD or DO via the match