Ophthalmology (/ˌɒfθælˈmɒlədʒi/ of-thal-MO-luh-ji)^[1] is a surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.^[2] An ophthalmologist is a physician who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care.^[3] Following a medical degree, a doctor specialising in ophthalmology must pursue additional postgraduate residency training specific to that field. This may include a one-year integrated internship that involves more general medical training in other fields such as internal medicine or general surgery. Following residency, additional specialty training (or fellowship) may be sought in a particular aspect of eye pathology.^[4] Ophthalmologists prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, implement laser therapy, and perform surgery when needed.^[5] Ophthalmologists provide both primary and specialty eye care – medical and surgical.^[5] Most ophthalmologists participate in academic research on eye diseases at some point in their training and many include research as part of their career.^[6] Ophthalmology has always been at the forefront of medical research with a long history of advancement and innovation in eye care.^[7]