How to become ophthalmologist in Pakistan

Are you deciding between different medical professionals? Are you thinking on how to become an ophthalmologist in Pakistan? This is a step-by-step guide on how to become an ophthalmologist in Pakistan. Read the article in detail. It provides detail steps.

 

Ophthalmology Scope

The scope of ophthalmology is increasing. This is proportionate to the growing population size. And the number of increasing eye diseases. Basically, ophthalmology is a medical field of study. This medical profession deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disorders. Becoming an ophthalmologist is one of the best medical jobs for females in Pakistan.

Ophthalmologists are also medical doctors. They differ from other doctors. Primarily, ophthalmologists specialize in the study and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders. Pakistan is a great country to pursue this profession. You have scope of opening up your own clinic and practice.

 

Step-by-Step Guide on becoming Ophthalmologist

Step 1: Complete Your Intermediate Education

To become an ophthalmologist in Pakistan, you must first complete your intermediate education (12 years of schooling) with a pre-medical background. This includes completing courses in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You can also pursue F.Sc or A levels. One thing important to note is that getting into medical college is extremely competitive. And students need to work hard to compete. The competition is high.

 

Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery

The second step is getting admission in a medical college. You need to be admitted in a Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from a recognized medical college in Pakistan. The MBBS program is typically five years long and covers a wide range of topics, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology. You get to learn about the body and also work closely in the hospital settings.

All the private and public medical colleges associate with hospitals. Students train extensively with clients and hospital procedures. These rotations help students define their clinical ability and focus on areas of interest.

 

Step 3: House Job Completion

Pakistan Medical Association has made a 1-year house job mandatory for the degree allocation. Students need to pursue 1 year in a hospital setting. Medical students work under the supervision of senior physicians.

After completing your MBBS degree, you must complete a house job. A house job is a one-year training program that involves working as an intern in a hospital under the supervision of senior physicians. During your house job, you will gain practical experience in various medical specialties, including ophthalmology.

 

Step 4: Focus on Ophthalmology

Students that are pursuing a career in Ophthalmology need to make this an area of expertise. In medical college, you have many career specializations to choose from. Here, you will be focusing on eye and all of its components.

You will need to get admission in a post graduate diploma or degree in Ophthalmology.

 

Step 5: Obtain a Postgraduate Degree in Ophthalmology

To specialize in ophthalmology, you must obtain a postgraduate degree in Ophthalmology. In Pakistan, there are two types of postgraduate degrees in ophthalmology: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS). The MD program is typically three years long, while the MS program is two years long.

Both options make you eligible for the title of Ophthalmologist. You can start working in a clinical setting and even pursue your own sub specialization.

You work closely with other medical professionals. In fact, you will be working with nurses. One of the main benefits of working in nursing is working with professionals and healthcare providers. As nurses, you also work closely with ophthalmologists. Both in operation theaters and clinical settings.

Both degree programs enable students to focus on the dynamics of the eye. You will be working and learning about different medical ailments of the eyes. Additionally, you learn about the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the eye. You will also gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye diseases and disorders.

Similar to the medical setting, students will also go through rotation programs. You will learn about the important diseases of the eye.

 

Step 6: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) Registration

In order to practice as an Ophthalmologist, it is imperative to apply and register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

PMDC is the regulatory body for healthcare professionals in Pakistan and is responsible for maintaining standards of professional conduct and competence.

To register with PMDC, you must provide the following documents:

• A copy of your MBBS degree
• A copy of your postgraduate degree in ophthalmology
• A copy of your house job certificate
• A copy of your national identity card
• A copy of your PMDC registration fee deposit slip
• Two passport-sized photographs

Once you have submitted all the required documents and paid the registration fee, PMDC will issue you a registration certificate, which will allow you to practice as an ophthalmologist in Pakistan.

 

Step 7: Ongoing Medical Education

You will need to continuously grow as a medical specialist. Hence, the need for ongoing medical education. You can keep on learning from other countries and associations. You can also participate in workshops and other educational seminars. It is extremely important to keep updating yourself.

 

Step 8 : Dealing with patients

The last but not the least step is understanding the patients. You need to assist and build value. You are the resource to improve the eye experience. Have a soft touch and help humanity. An Ophthalmologist is a caring and kind individual who needs to be customer driven and patient caring. Learn these skills as well. This last step and skill will make you into an exceptional eye specialist.

 

How many years to become an ophthalmologist?

After sucessful graduation, it can take up to 4 years in becoming an opthalmologist.