Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems.
An ophthalmologist is different than an optometrist, who focuses on vision and primary conditions of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist doctor with advanced knowledge of the eye, brain and surrounding structures. An optometrist's job includes administering vision tests, prescribing corrective lenses and treating minor infections and injuries. An opthalmologist is needed to treat advanced conditions such as complex diseases or eye cancer, and only opthalmologists can perform eye surgery.