In Ireland there are two
main groups of eye doctors, namely Surgical Eye Specialists
and Medical Eye Specialists. The Surgical Eye Specialists
are also known as ‘Ophthalmic Surgeons’ or ‘Eye
Surgeons’. They usually have an appointment to a Public and/or
a Private Hospital where they carry out their surgical duties.
Surgical Eye Specialists are entered
on the Medical Council’s Register of Medical Specialists in
Ophthalmic Surgery.
Surgical Eye Specialists are trained in both Medical Ophthalmology
and Ophthalmic Surgery. Most Irish eye surgeons are specialists in
cataract surgery but many also have a sub-specialty in which they
are recognised as being expert. For instance, a number of Ophthalmic Surgeons
are involved in the treatment of vitreo-retinal disease while others
have an interest in corneal surgery. Some are experts in the laser treatment
of diabetic eye disease and others specialise in squint surgery. Often
there is considerable overlap in expertise. Paediatric ophthalmologists carry out eye surgery on children. The Corneal Surgeons
are the ones who do Lasik and PRK treatment for refractive
errors such as long and short sightedness and astigmatism. There
are Eye Surgeons who have an interest in cosmetic lid surgery and
also remove tumours of the lids, eye and orbit. A few Ophthalmic
Surgeons are experts in the treatment of neurological conditions
and are known as ‘Neuro-Ophthalmologists’. There are
also a number of Eye Surgeons who are specialists in glaucoma operations.
Many of the Ophthalmic Surgeons have public hospital appointments
and all partake in private practice, treating patients with VHI, BUPA
and other medical insurances.
Whatever your eye condition there are members of this College who
are experts in that area.
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