IAN SIMMONS

Ophthalmology is the science of eye disease and comprises medical and surgical managements. Although one of the smallest organs in the body, the complexity of the eye means there are specialists for its different component parts. A general ophthalmologist is similar to a general practitioner - able to treat and manage a number of conditions to a moderately high level. For more complicated problems, general ophthalmologists will refer to their specialised colleagues, to an 'eye specialist' like Ian Simmons, who is based in Leeds in the UK, but travels the world to learn more about this specialty.

Many patients after being told that they may have an eye problem will be more concerned about diseases that affect their vision more than other more lethal diseases. Being deprived of sight can have a devastating effect on the psyche, as well as economic and social effects, as many blind individuals require significant assistance with activities of daily living and are often unable to continue gainful employment previously held while seeing.

The maintenance of ocular health and correction of eye problems that decrease vision contribute greatly to the ability to appreciate the longer lifespan that all of medicine continues to allow. Given the importance of vision to quality of life, many ophthalmologists consider their job to be rewarding, as they are often able to restore or improve a patient's sight.

Mr Simmons is a general ophthalmologist and therefore able to see patients with the full range of eye conditions. He has written a major international textbook on the complications of cataract surgery and has regularly performed cataract surgery for the past fifteen years. His sub-speciality interest within the Health Service and privately are adult strabismus (squints), neuro-ophthalmology and paediatric ophthalmology. 

"In the United Kingdom, there are four colleges that grant postgraduate degrees in ophthalmology. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists grants MRCOphth and FRCOphth (postgraduate exams), The Royal College of Edinburgh grants MRCSEd, The Royal College of Glasgow grants FRCS and The Royal College of Ireland grants FRCSI. Work experience as a specialist registrar and one of these degrees is required for specialisation in eye diseases."