General Ophthalmologists perform comprehensive eye examinations and surgical evaluations

General ophthalmologists are Eye MDs who provide a broad spectrum of eye care, from vision care (evaluating visual changes and prescribing glasses) to diagnosing and treating eye disease. A wide scope of patients with ocular problems and health concerns who range in age from teens through elderly adults are seen by these physicians.

At Centre For Sight Africa, General ophthalmologists are often the first doctors on our team to see patients for periodic medical eye exams as well as for specific visual or ocular complaints. They take care of a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, dry eyes, cataracts and glaucoma.

General Ophthalmologists evaluate a large range of symptoms such as blurry vision, poor night vision, transient loss of vision, loss of visual field, sudden loss of vision, difficulty with near vision, eye pain, red eyes, eye fatigue, fluctuating vision, itching or burning, crusts or discharge, excess tearing, double vision and itching or redness of the eyelids.

Often patients are referred to a General ophthalmologist at CFSA by others patients treated by our specialists, organization practice doctor, endocrinologist, neurologist, dermatologist, pediatrician or other medical specialist in the community.

Treatment Options

Usually a full medical eye exam begins with a refraction (checking whether vision can be improved with a new pair of glasses), checking eye pressure, checking ocular alignment and motility and examining the anterior structures of the eye with a specialized slit lamp bio-microscope. A full examination often includes dilation of the pupils so that the posterior structure of the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve, can be examined. When findings raise the suspicion for pathologic conditions, special ancillary testing may be performed to provide additional information.

Additional Information

When needed, patients with problems that require sub-speciality care or surgery may be referred by the general ophthalmologists to other Centre For Sight Africa physicians who provide specialized ophthalmic care.