AN OPHTHALMOLOGISTS DEFINITION OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

Ophthalmology has long been on the vanguard of medicine and innovation. Ophthalmologists have enjoyed high levels of satisfaction from restoring sight to patients. But the world as we know it has shifted, and now we are burdened by the pressures of modern medicine and a competitive marketplace. Ophthalmology should take the lead in medicine in learning how to weather these crises and how to emerge a revitalized specialty. It seems that the right choice for the specialty of ophthalmology is to reclaim our role as comprehensive providers of total eye care. Ophthalmologists can lead teams formed to provide comprehensive eye care. A dialogue on a consensus definition of the scope of ophthalmology should take place, involving all segments of the profession. Another dialogue that is critical to the future of the specialty is a deliberate examination of the issue of formal accreditation and/or certification of ophthalmologic subspecialties. Ophthalmology needs to define itself for the future.