Health Service Categories and Careers

A-Z OF SERVICES

Ophthalmology is the medical specialty which studies conditions and disorders that affect the eyes and visual system. It looks at preventing blindness, promoting eye health, and rehabilitating patients who have visual impairments. It is underpinned by the Ophthalmic Sciences - which include anatomy, physiology, optics, pharmacology, pathology and Ophthalmic Emergency Medicine. It uses epidemiology and evidence-based practice to effectively provide patients with investigations and diagnosis, advice and education, and management and treatment of ocular conditions – which may involve therapeutic and surgical procedures, post-operative care, prescription of pharmaceutical medicines, and monitoring/evaluation of treatment plans. Ophthalmology services are provided in public hospitals and private clinics. Practitioners have clinical and surgical skills. They work in multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate with other medical specialists and community and allied health care teams to provide specialist ophthalmic care to patients.

Ophthalmology Jobs

Ophthalmologists are experts in eye health. They have specialised clinical and surgical skills to investigate, diagnose, manage, treat and prevent disorders and diseases that affect the eyes and visual system. They take a record of their patient’s medical and ocular history and undertake eye assessments and investigations to assess visual function. They diagnose conditions and formulate appropriate management and care plans which consider the patient’s condition, indications and contradictions, and social and economic context. They prescribe pharmaceutical medicines, and monitor and manage any ocular and systemic side effects. They formulate surgical plans and perform ophthalmological procedures, which can involve local anaesthetics, laser treatment, surgery and post-procedure care. Ophthalmologists use a range of technical and surgical equipment and materials, and manage peri-operative complications and emergencies. They collaborate with other doctors and health practitioners, train junior doctors, and work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams. They are often involved in research activities. To pursue a career in ophthalmology, registered doctors who have completed two years of pre-vocational training, can apply to undertake vocational training with the RANZCO. This is a five-year program, incorporating basic and advanced training, and various clinical, surgical and professional competencies and knowledge. It leads to Fellowship and Specialist Registration with AHPRA.