Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that investigates and treats disorders of the eye. The

ophthalmologist is concerned with visual function and with infectious, inflammatory, traumatic,

degenerative and neoplastic disorders.

The general internist must be able to evaluate many ophthalmologic complaints, including pain,

redness, itching, and visual changes. He or she should be able to identify and treat frequently

encountered problems, such as conjunctivitis, and identify problems requiring referral. These

functions require competency in the office examination of vision and the eye, an appreciation of

the critical elements in a patient's history, and an understanding of the indications for routine and

emergency referral.

In addition, the general internist must be able to recognize the funduscopic findings of systemic

illness, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and realize that ocular complaints may

herald other illness.