Overview of Medical Ophthalmology
The Specialty of Ophthalmology has long been recognised to sit comfortably in the niche between Medicine and Surgery. While surgery comprises a large part of its work load, medical problems often of a very interesting and unusual nature also makes up a significant component of its case load. During the last twenty years, Ophthalmology as a specialty has changed dramatically in part due to the success of the surgical procedures not only for the commonest problem cataract but also for other newer challenges for instance those presented by vitreo-retinal disorders.
The demand for care of medical ophthalmological problems has not declined however and many new and exciting investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have been developed to deal with these. As a result of the considerable level of skill and expertise required to deliver these new modalities, the Specialty of Medical Ophthalmology has emerged and is a GMC-recognised stand-alone Specialty in its own right.
