Medical specialty: Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is one of the oldest disciplines of medicine. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and functional disorders affecting a patient's eyes. In addition to the eyeball, pupil and iris, these include the sense of sight, the adnexa of the eye, the optic nerve and the visual cortex, which extend to the back of the skull.
Among the most important examination instruments in ophthalmology is the slit lamp. This is a strong stereo microscope equipped with special control mechanics and illuminating mechanics.
Ophthalmology is a surgical field of medicine. The cataract surgery is the world's most common and expensive surgical procedures. However, vision correction using laser technology is continually increasing.
In Germany, “AugenDiagnostikCenter (ADC)” (ocular diagnosis centers) have been established, where ophthalmologists organize themselves in the form of apparatus sharing relationships. There are now such hospital facilities at over 100 locations throughout Germany.
In German-speaking countries, such as Switzerland, Austria and Germany, the specialist in ophthalmology has to complete a training period of five years after his/her medical studies, and he/she has to pass a final Board Certification as a specialist.