Ophthalmologists

To become an ophthalmologist, one must complete four years of medical school plus one or two years of clinical training; pass a licensing exam; spend three years in an ophthalmology residency at a hospital; and often take an additional year in a subspeciality.

Like all physicians and surgeons, ophthalmologists must have excellent speaking, writing, and listening skills to communicate with patients and other health care providers. They also require manual and finger dexterity to control and make fine adjustments on very small objects. Because many of the conditions an ophthalmologist treats involve the reality or possibility of blindness, the doctor must be able to handle stressful situations with calmness and empathy.