Ophthalmology

General description of the work Consultant Ophthalmologists undertake

The Consultant Ophthalmologist is an eye specialist. He/She deals with diseases, injuries and operations involving the eyes.  Injuries to the eyes include foreign bodies in the eyes, perforating injuries to the eyes as well as corneal abrasions and traumatic retinal detachment.  Diseases of the eyes include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.  Operations on the eyes include squint and cataract surgery as well as laser eye treatments.

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence

  • laser eye treatment for the correction of long– or short–sightedness
  • the management of metallic foreign bodies in the eyes
  • trauma to the eyes and its management
  • delay in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma

Sub–Specialities / Alternative and Additional job titles

The Consultant Ophthalmologist may be known a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon or simply as an Eye Surgeon or an Eye Specialist.

Usual Qualifications

The Consultant Ophthalmologist will usually be known as Mr rather than Dr and will have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after his/her name as well as FRCOphth (Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists).

Academic Appointments

The Consultant Ophthalmologist may be a Lecturer or Professor in Ophthalmology at a Medical School. He/She may be an Examiner for one of the Royal College of Surgeons.