An ophthalmologist is a physician trained in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. An ophthalmologist may be either a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).

The training period for an ophthalmologist encompasses four years of pre-medical college studies, four years of medical school, an internship, and three or more years of medical and surgical hospital based training in eye disorders. Others may complete one or more years of fellowship training in specialty areas.

While board certification is not mandatory to practice ophthalmology, ophthalmologists may take a certification examination administered by the American Board of Ophthalmology.