When to see an ophthalmologist
Common reasons people book a consultation.
- Vision blurring, dimming, or a curtain across part of it
- Cataract assessment or surgery
- Raised eye pressure, or a family history of glaucoma
- Diabetic retinal screening
- Redness, pain, watering or a foreign body that persists
What an ophthalmologist does
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the eyes: diagnosing eye disease, treating it with medicines, lasers and surgery, and prescribing glasses. In India the usual training is an MBBS followed by an MS or MD in ophthalmology, a DNB, or the older diploma DOMS. Many go on to focus on one area, such as the retina, glaucoma, the cornea, squint and children's eyes, or oculoplasty (the eyelids and tissues around the eye).
Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists. Optometrists are trained to test vision, prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and screen for common eye problems, but they are not medical doctors and do not operate. Opticians make and dispense glasses. For a routine change of glasses an optometrist may be enough; for pain, redness, sudden change in vision, or any eye disease, see an ophthalmologist.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in India, and many eye hospitals run high-volume, well-organised services. Several eye diseases, especially glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, cause no symptoms until damage is advanced, which is why regular eye checks matter for people with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or those over forty. Sudden loss of vision is an emergency and should not wait for a routine appointment.
- Sudden loss or dimming of vision in one or both eyes, or a curtain or shadow across your sight
- A sudden shower of new floaters or flashes of light
- A chemical splash in the eye: rinse with plenty of clean water straight away and go to an emergency department
- Severe eye pain with redness, nausea or haloes around lights, or a penetrating eye injury: seek emergency care or call 108
Conditions ophthalmologists treat
Cataract
Clouding of the lens causing blurred or dim vision; treated with surgery when it affects daily life.
Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve, often with raised eye pressure; usually painless and silent until advanced, so regular checks matter.
Diabetic retinopathy
Damage to the retina from diabetes; yearly eye checks are usually advised for people with diabetes.
Refractive errors
Short sight, long sight, astigmatism and the need for reading glasses with age.
Conjunctivitis and eye infections
Red, sticky or watery eyes; most settle, but some infections need prompt treatment.
Dry eye
Gritty, burning or tired eyes, common with screen use, age and some medical conditions.
Retinal detachment and macular disease
Conditions of the back of the eye that can threaten sight and need specialist care.
Squint and lazy eye
Misaligned eyes or reduced vision in one eye, best treated early in childhood.
Eye injuries
Foreign bodies, chemical splashes and blows to the eye.
Tests and procedures you may come across
Vision test
Reading letters on a chart to measure how well each eye sees.
Refraction
Finding the right lens power for glasses.
Slit-lamp examination
A microscope with a light to examine the front of the eye in detail.
Eye pressure measurement
A quick check used in screening for glaucoma.
Dilated eye examination
Drops widen the pupils so the retina can be seen. Vision may be blurred for a few hours, so do not drive yourself home.
OCT scan and visual field test
A scan of the retina and optic nerve, and a test of side vision, used for glaucoma and retinal disease.
Cataract surgery
The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, usually as a day-care procedure.
Laser treatments and injections
Used for diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, retinal tears and some macular conditions.
Ophthalmologist or another specialist?
The nearest neighbouring specialities, and when each is the right door.
Before your first visit
- Bring your current glasses, contact lens details and any earlier eye prescriptions or reports.
- List your medicines and conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and any family history of glaucoma.
- If your eyes may be dilated, bring someone to accompany you or plan not to drive for a few hours afterwards. Sunglasses help with the glare.
- Do not wear contact lenses on the day if the doctor has asked you not to, and avoid eye make-up.
- Expect a vision test, an eye pressure check and an examination with a microscope; the visit may take longer if drops are used.
Qualifications and registration to check
Registered with the National Medical Commission or a state medical council. The number can be searched on the NMC's Indian Medical Register. Every profile on The Doctor Index shows the registration number and says whether it has been checked against the register.
Degrees you will see on ophthalmologists' profilesHow to check a registrationQuestions about seeing an ophthalmologist
What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs surgery. An optometrist tests vision and prescribes glasses and lenses but is not a medical doctor and does not operate.
When should cataract surgery be done?
Usually when the cataract affects your daily life, such as reading, driving or recognising faces. It does not usually need to be done early, unless the doctor has a specific reason.
How often should I have my eyes checked?
People with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or those over forty benefit from regular checks. Your ophthalmologist will advise the interval that suits you.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Damage already done by glaucoma cannot be reversed, but treatment with drops, laser or surgery can slow or stop further loss. That is why early detection matters.
What qualifications should an ophthalmologist have?
An MBBS and a postgraduate qualification in ophthalmology, such as MS or MD, DNB, or the diploma DOMS. Registration should be on the NMC's register or a state medical council register.
Also searched as: eye specialist, eye doctor, eye surgeon, cataract.
Written by The Doctor Index on 27 Sep 2026, and has not yet been reviewed by a clinician. General information, not advice about your own situation.