Ophthalmologist

A type of medical doctor that specializes in the eye (an Eye Doctor), therefore focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye. They generally have 8 years of post-secondary education plus 5 years of residency (practical training). Unlike Optometrists, they are allowed to prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, implement laser therapy, and perform surgery when needed. They also tend to have a deeper knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye and its defects, including Colorblindness.

Most Ophthalmologists are competent at testing for CVD. If specialized, they are the most competent resource for Color Vision knowledge. They are also responsible for much of the research into Colorblindness and often have the most advance tools for diagnosis that would not be in the average Optometrist’s (e.g. ERG).

See also Optician and Optometrist.