How To Become An Ophthalmologist?

In order to become an ophthalmologist, an aspiring student needs to:

• Graduate from high school with a high GPA, especially in life sciences and math;
• Complete a 4-year pre-med/Biology degree;
• Volunteer in a medicine-related facility;
• Pass the Medical college admission test (MCAT);
• Enter a licensed medical school;
• Complete the 4 years of required initial medical training and obtain the Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.);
• Pass the 3 stages of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE);
• Complete three-year residency in ophthalmology/eye surgery;
• Choose a fellowship in a subspecialty:
  • Glaucoma (1 year);
  • Neuro-ophthalmology (1 year);
  • Retina disorders and microsurgery (2 years);
  • Corneal transplantation (2 years);
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery (1-2 years);
  • Pediatric ophthalmology (one can also complete a pediatric residency and join an ophthalmology residency or fellowship afterward in order to become a pediatric ophthalmologist);
• Get certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology:

An average salary for an ophthalmologist in the USA is between $245,286 to $333,801 per annum.