An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries and deficiencies
of the eye.An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has
undertaken additional specialist training in the diagnosis and management of
disorders of the eye and visual system.An ophthalmologist is both physician
and surgeon who diagnoses, treats and prevents diseases of the eye. The
surgical work of the general ophthalmologist may include cataract
extraction, squint and glaucoma surgery, retinal, oculoplastic and
nasolacrimal surgery.
ANZSCO ID&
description:253914: Provides diagnostic, treatment and preventative medical services related to
diseases, injuries and deficiencies of the human eye and associated
structures. Registration or licensing is required.
Alternative names: Eye Specialist, Eye Surgeon, Medical
Ophthalmologist
intellect to demonstrate thorough
knowledge of ophthalmology and the inter-relationships between medical
disciplines
hand-eye dexterity
to be detail oriented and well
organised
to be a team player with
leadership capabilities
to perform well under stress
to be personable and patient
able to communicate and empathise
with patients
to enjoy working with patients of
all ages who are generally healthy with specific eye problems
to like a patient mix of both
surgical and medical problems
Duties and Tasks
Read patient's history
Examine patients and determine
whether surgery is necessary
Consults with anaesthetists about
the operation and the patient's treatment
Gives instructions about
preparing patients for operating theatres
Performs and manages operations
Provides instructions for
post-operative care
Monitors patients after surgery
Keeps medical records and sends
final reports to general practitioners
May teach trainees
Working conditions
Ophthalmologists can work in operating theatres, out- patient clinics and
increasingly in community care settings. There may be extensive periods when
an ophthalmologist works in low level lighting.
There may be times when an ophthalmologist is required to work extra hours
and be on-call although out of hours work is generally not as demanding as
other specialities and night work is not typical.
Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific
research into causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
Tools and technologies
Ophthalmology continues to incorporate new technology including optical
instrumentation, lasers and microsurgical instrumentation. The advances in
technology, drugs and techniques have led to development of new process and
a rapidly changing job role.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Ophthalmology training equips eye specialists to provide the full spectrum
of eye care, including the prescription of glasses and contact lenses,
medical treatment and complex microsurgery.
To become an ophthalmologist, you
must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in
ophthalmology. These degrees usually take four years to
complete. Entry requirements include completion of a bachelor degree in any
discipline. You must also sit the Graduate Australian Medical Schools
Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and attend an interview at your chosen institution.
In Australia and New Zealand, an ophthalmologist is required to have
undertaken a minimum of 12 years of training, including:
5 years at a medical school, graduating with a degree
in medicine,
2 years (minimum) as a newly qualified doctor
undertaking basic medical training,
5 years of ophthalmic specialist training and
successful completion of examinations set by the Royal Australian and
New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).
On completion of the postgraduate
medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for two years
(internship and residency). To then specialise in ophthalmology, doctors can
apply to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists to
undertake further training and ultimately receive fellowship.
Did You Know?
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist and
orthoptist?
All are eye care professionals, but only an ophthalmologist is a medically
trained specialist.
Optometrists
Optometrists examine eyes, give advice on visual problems, and prescribe and
fit glasses or contact lenses.
If eye disease is detected, an optometrist
will refer patients to an ophthalmologist for further management. In certain
circumstances, ophthalmologists and optometrists work collaboratively in the
care of patients, especially those with chronic eye diseases.
The typical training for an optometrist in Australia and New Zealand
includes:
5 years at university leading to a degree in optometry.
1 year of pre-registration experience.
Orthoptists
Orthoptists are allied health professionals who are trained to diagnose and
manage disorders of eye movements and associated vision problems. They are
also trained to perform investigative testing of eye diseases. They work in
a diverse range of settings, including hospitals, private practices, low
vision and rehabilitation settings and research centres.
Orthoptic training is undertaken in a 4 year Bachelor of Health Sciences/
Master of Orthoptics university degree.(Source: Australian Society of Ophthalmologists)
An
ophthalmic laboratory technician, commonly
referred to as an optical technician, is an eye wear specialist whose job it
is to make prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses as well as lenses for
binoculars and other optical devices. While many steps in the production
process have been automated, there are some tasks that still require the
expertise of a technician.
They fill
prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists, ensuring that the
lenses refract light at the proper angle to permit optimal vision.
ANZSCO ID:
311299 Alternative names: Opthalmic Laboratory
Technician, Optical Technician,
Ophthalmic Technician,
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist,
Specialisations:
You may also specialise in making, servicing or repairing binoculars,
telescopes and scientific optical equipment.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become an opthalmic laboratory technician, you would need:
good numeracy skills
an interest in science and physics
good eyesight
excellent accuracy and attention to detail
time management skills
an understanding of and ability to handle
specialist optical equipment
detail-oriented with excellent dexterity
strong written and verbal communication
skills
Rodenstock’s DNEye technology has been available
in Australia since 2018 and is used for high-precision 3D eye measurement
(Source:
Insight News)
Duties and Tasks
Collect and study detailed work orders and
prescriptions for ophthalmic equipment, such as contact lenses and
eyeglasses, and determine which manual and automatic equipment to
use in the manufacturing process
Follow
prescriptions from optometrists or opthamologists
Cut, polish and
grind lenses using specialist tools
Use a coating
machine to add protective or other coatings to lenses
Inspect lenses
for quality, detect flaws and check smoothness
Use and maintain
specialist machines
Verify lenses
against set prescription powers
Shapes and inset
lenses into spectacle frames
Polish finished
products.
Determine proper specifications and
settings for laboratory equipment, including requirements for
additional tools or attachments, to efficiently and accurately
fulfill work orders
Use manual and computer-aided tools to
form, shape and modify materials as necessary to create customized
lenses and optical devices
Measure and examine finished lenses to
determine compliance with work order requirements, and repair any
defects or issues by polishing, shaping or remaking material as
needed
Inspect completed products for
functionality and appearance, and complete shipping and
documentation tasks according to standardized procedures
Collaborate with laboratory personnel and
ophthalmologists to develop new procedures for improving fit,
effectiveness and comfort of eyeglasses, contact lenses and other
optical devices
Complete repair work orders by choosing
optimal repair procedure or manufacturing replacement equipment to
meet order requirements and maintain laboratory efficiency
Participate in on-the-job training to
become proficient with all laboratory equipment, and then train new
laboratory technicians
Working conditions
As as ophthalmic laboratory
technician, you would usually work a standard number of hours per week.
You would be based in a laboratory. You would handle some solvents and
chemicals and wear necessary protective clothing and equipment.
Tools and technologies
Cut, polish and
grind lenses using specialist tools
Use a coating
machine to add protective or other coatings to lenses
To become an opthalmic laboratory
technician you would usually have to complete a VET qualification in Optical
Technology.
You could also become an opthalmic technology technician by gaining a
traineeship in optical technology. Generally, employers require a senior
secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths and physics would
be appropriate subjects to study at school.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of opthalmic laboratory technicians is
projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Because vision problems tend to occur more frequently later in life, an
ageing population will lead to more people wearing corrective lenses, and
therefore greater employment opportunities for opthalmic laboratory
technicians. The frequent use of computers and hand-held technology devices
is also leading to more vision problems which need to be corrected in
younger people.