Ophthalmologist or Eye Doctor

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the eye and the areas around the eye (Fig. 1). Such areas include the eyelids and visual pathways. This specialist conducts full eye examinations, diagnoses eye diseases, prescribes medication and offers other treatment options (such as wearing an eye patch) for children and adults with eye diseases. Ophthalmologists also prescribe prescription glasses and contact lenses to their patients.

Figure 1. Eye doctor

Ophthalmologists often work with children who have conditions/disorders that include:

• Down syndrome;
• Blindness or low vision (Fig. 2);
• Deafblindness;
• Cerebral palsy.

Figure 2. A girl wearing glasses

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