In Ireland there are two
main groups of eye doctors, namely Medical Eye Specialists
and Surgical Eye Specialists. Medical Eye Specialists
are also sometimes referred to as ‘Medical Ophthalmologists’,
‘Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners’ or ‘Community
Ophthalmic Physicians’.
Medical Eye Specialists are entered
on the Medical Council’s Register of Medical Specialists in
Ophthalmology.
Medical Eye Specialists are trained to diagnose and treat conditions
and diseases of the eye. Typically, conditions managed by Medical Eye Specialists
include glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions,
dry eye and trauma such as corneal foreign bodies and abrasions.
If major eye surgery is indicated then the Medical Eye
Specialist will refer the case to one of their surgical colleagues for specialised surgical treatment. The Medical Eye Specialist
is trained to carry out minor surgical procedures such as the treatment of
lid cysts, sac washouts and certain laser surgery.
Some Medical
Eye Specialists work for the Health Board and they are called ‘Community
Ophthalmic Physicians’. These doctors carry out Health
Board Eye Clinics and treat adults and children referred
to them by General Practitioners. Children identified at school
screening clinics with vision problems are often sent to Community
Ophthalmic Physicians for examination and treatment.
Many Medical
Eye Specialists are involved in private practice and treat patients
with VHI, BUPA and other medical insurances, some also treat Medical Card Holders and
those insured under the Optical Benefit (PRSI) scheme. A number of
eye doctors offer
a further service that includes dispensing glasses, contact lenses
and low visual aids.
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