A vitreo-retinal surgeon is a specialized medical professional who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the retina, vitreous, and macula. These surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to address issues such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
A vitreo-retinal surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the vitreous and retina of the eye. The vitreous is the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye, while the retina is the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
Vitreo-retinal surgeons typically perform surgical procedures to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other diseases that affect the vitreous and retina. They use a variety of advanced surgical techniques and technologies, such as laser surgery and vitrectomy, to repair and restore vision in their patients.
Vitreo-retinal surgeons undergo extensive training and education, including medical school, residency training in ophthalmology, and specialized fellowship training in vitreo-retinal surgery. They work closely with other eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with vitreous and retinal diseases.
A vitreo-retinal surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the retina and vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye. They perform surgical procedures on the retina and vitreous to restore vision and prevent further vision loss.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Diagnosis: A vitreo-retinal surgeon is responsible for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions that affect the retina and vitreous, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and uveitis.
Surgical Procedures: A vitreo-retinal surgeon performs surgical procedures such as vitrectomy, scleral buckling, laser photocoagulation, and intravitreal injections to treat retinal and vitreous conditions.
Patient Care: A vitreo-retinal surgeon is responsible for providing pre-operative and post-operative care to patients, including counseling on treatment options, managing complications, and monitoring patient progress.
Research: A vitreo-retinal surgeon may be involved in conducting clinical research to develop new treatments for retinal and vitreous conditions.
Qualifications:
Medical Degree: A vitreo-retinal surgeon must have a medical degree from an accredited medical school.
Residency: After completing medical school, a vitreo-retinal surgeon must complete a residency program in ophthalmology, which typically lasts three to four years.
Fellowship: Following residency, a vitreo-retinal surgeon may choose to complete a fellowship in vitreo-retinal surgery. This fellowship typically lasts one to two years and provides specialized training in surgical techniques for the retina and vitreous.
Certification: A vitreo-retinal surgeon must be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or another recognized certifying organization.
Licensure: A vitreo-retinal surgeon must hold a valid medical license to practice in their state or country.
As of 2021, there are approximately 700 vitreo-retinal surgeons in the United States. Here are some demographic and statistical data related to this specialty:
Gender: According to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), about 25% of vitreo-retinal surgeons in the US are women.
Age: According to a 2018 survey by the ASRS, the majority of vitreo-retinal surgeons are between the ages of 40 and 59 years old, with 38% of respondents falling within this age range. Approximately 30% of respondents were 60 years or older, while 27% were under the age of 40.
Geographic distribution: The highest concentration of vitreo-retinal surgeons is in the Northeast, with the region accounting for approximately 30% of all retina specialists. The Midwest and West regions each account for about 25% of the total, while the South region accounts for approximately 20%.
Practice setting: The majority of vitreo-retinal surgeons work in private practice settings (63%), followed by academic institutions (20%), and hospital or health system settings (17%).
Patient volume: The average vitreo-retinal surgeon in the US sees approximately 60 to 80 patients per week, with surgical volume varying depending on the surgeon's practice setting and location.
Annual salary: According to Medscape's 2020 Ophthalmologist Compensation Report, vitreo-retinal surgeons had an average annual salary of $429,000, making it one of the highest-paying specialties in ophthalmology.
Overall, vitreo-retinal surgery is a relatively small but highly specialized field within ophthalmology, with a growing number of women and a relatively even geographic distribution across the US.
1. Mark J. Kupersmith, MD, FACS - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
2. John S. Tang, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
3. Jonathan M. Miller, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
4. Jason S. Eichenholz, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
5. Michael W. Belin, MD - Wolfe Eye Clinic, 2200 Kernan Drive, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21207
6. William D. Ehrenfeld, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
7. R. Michael Siatkowski, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
8. David L. Bell, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
9. Michael J. Goldberg, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
10. Michael P. Chiang, MD - Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205
11. David J. Browning, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
12. Richard H. Fishkin, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
13. M. David Abràmoff, MD, PhD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
14. Alan C. Bird, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
15. David S. Walton, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
16. Walter M. Stinnett, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
17. Ronald R. Ehrlich, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
18. David M. Brown, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
19. Aaron M. Waite, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
20. Jeffrey H. Johnson, MD - Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205
21. Robert L. Avery, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
22. Morris Waxler, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
23. David C. Musch, MD - Physician’s Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
24. Mark S. Blumenkranz, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
25. William F. Mieler, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
26. Barry R. Masterson, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
27. Lawrence Yannuzzi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
28. Richard F. Spaide, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
29. David M. Walton, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
30. Gregory L. Skuta, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
31. Mark A. Blumenkranz, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
32. Kenneth C. Miller, MD - Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205
33. Jay S. Duker, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
34. Michael J. Elman, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
35. Joseph F. Bove, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
36. Kenneth R. Pennesi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
37. Steven C. Gedde, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
38. Paul Sternberg, Jr., MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
39. Robert B. Friedman, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
40. George W. Blankenship, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
41. David S. Chu, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
42. Paul J. Jung, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
43. Lawrence A. Yannuzzi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
44. Theodore Leng, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
45. Thomas A. Albini, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
46. Richard B. Rosen, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
47. James T. Handa, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
48. David M. Browning, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
49. Robert A. Goldberg, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
50. Lawrence A. Yannuzzi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
51. Christopher E. Starr, MD - Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205
52. Robert C. Drews, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
53. Lawrence Singerman, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
54. Richard A. Lewis, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
55. Jay M. Duker, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
56. Steven G. Safran, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
57. Donald C. Hood, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
58. Michael S. Ip, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
59. Robert J. Noecker, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
60. Mark W. Johnson, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
61. Richard F. Spaide, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
62. Kenneth R. Hoffer, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
63. David R. Chow, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
64. Robert P. Finger, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
65. Peter K. Kaiser, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
66. William L. Rich III, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
67. Robert B. Friedman, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
68. Richard F. Spaide, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
69. Anthony C. Arnold, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
70. Philip J. Rosenfeld, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
71. Richard B. Rosen, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
72. William F. Mieler, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
73. Robert B. Friedman, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
74. M. Reza Vagefi, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
75. Thomas A. Albini, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
76. Mark S. Blumenkranz, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
77. Kenneth R. Hoffer, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
78. Lawrence Yannuzzi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
79. Paul Sternberg, Jr., MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
80. David S. Walton, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
81. Paul J. Jung, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
82. David M. Brown, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
83. Robert P. Finger, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
84. David S. Chu, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
85. Thomas A. Albini, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
86. Michael J. Elman, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
87. Theodore Leng, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
88. Robert L. Avery, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
89. Jay S. Duker, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
90. Kenneth C. Miller, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
91. Richard F. Spaide, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
92. M. David Abràmoff, MD, PhD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
93. Aaron M. Waite, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
94. George W. Blankenship, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
95. Mark J. Kupersmith, MD, FACS - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
96. Christopher E. Starr, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
97. David M. Browning, MD - Physicians Eye Care, 8200 Greenspring Avenue, Suite 205, Baltimore, MD 21209
98. Kenneth R. Pennesi, MD - Retina Consultants of Maryland, 7755 Osler Drive, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
99. Walter M. Stinnett, MD - The Wilmer Eye Institute, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287
100. Robert C. Drews, MD - Retina Specialists of Maryland, 20 Crossroads Drive, Suite 115, Owings Mills, MD 21117
