# ophthalmologist

/ˌɑfθəˈmɑɫədʒɪst/ (US) · /ˌɒfθɐlmˈɒlədʒˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ophthalmologist
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a doctor who specializes in the health of your eyes and the treatment of eye diseases. They can also perform surgery on the eyes.

For teachers: a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of disorders and diseases of the visual system, including the eye and its surrounding structures.

## Examples

- I need to see an ophthalmologist about my vision.
- After noticing a sudden change in her peripheral vision, she scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam.
- While an optometrist can manage routine eye care and prescribe glasses, an ophthalmologist is the only professional qualified to perform complex surgical interventions like cataract removal or retinal repair.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.