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What Is An Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed an additional three-year accredited residency in ophthalmology. In addition to this formal, degreed education, ophthalmologists may be required to obtain certifications or credentials in specific procedures done within the scope of their practices.

Who Determines Ophthalmologists’ Qualifications?

Each state establishes requirements for licensing medical practitioners within its boundaries. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners (NJSTME) issues licenses to ophthalmologists practicing in New Jersey who have demonstrated their qualifications this specialized field of medicine.

Qualifications for ophthalmologists include passing certification exams established by accrediting bodies such as the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Eye Surgeons, as well as other standards of practice recognized by the NJSTME.

What are the Qualifications for an Ophthalmologist?

Medical licenses are issued in New Jersey for a period of two years. Ophthalmologists must show evidence of transcripts, post-graduate training, exam scores, background check and other stringent requirements, such as having malpractice insurance, to qualify for a license. License renewals require completion of 100 continuing medical education credits (CME) every two years.

Requirements for Alternative Privileges

The requirements to obtain alternative privileges were finalized by the State Supreme Court on June 29, 2005, which upheld the Medical Board’s regulation N.J.A.C. 13;35-4A. 12, governing “Surgery, Special Procedures and Anesthesia Services Performed in an Office Setting.”

Most eye surgeries, including laser surgery, fall outside the NJSTME definition of “minor surgery.” Also, ophthalmologists tend to specialize in eye surgery done at the clinic rather than at a hospital. Ophthalmologists are required to be credentialed, either by a hospital or by the NJSTME, before they can provide any type of anesthesia used for eye surgery. Consequently, the NJSTME requires additional surgical and anesthesia qualifications for “alternative privileges” to do these surgeries outside of a hospital setting. These safeguards ensure that you will receive the highest possible quality and consistency of care and safety, appropriate information, supervision and preparation prior to, during and after surgery.

Other Qualification Requirements

Additional requirements ensure that the clinic is staffed and operated by qualified, attentive professionals, and that every three years ophthalmologists obtain 60 Category 1 hours (structured, classroom, coursework) of continuing education in anesthesia in their scope of practice. These include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and conscious sedation.

Patients who are considering eye surgery are wise to choose an ophthalmologist with the highest level of training and experience as possible. Patients are encouraged to learn about eye diseases and the eye surgery procedures that they may undergo.

Please visit Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A. for more information or to schedule a free Lasik consultation in Monmouth or Ocean Counties, New Jersey.