Optometrists (also known as Doctors of Optometry in the US and Canada for those holding the O.D. degree[1] or Ophthalmic Opticians in the UK[2][3][4][5][6][7]) are medical professionals who provide primary eyecare through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases.
The first step toward becoming a surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree. Although there is no specific mandated major, it's highly suggested you consider a major in the sciences, such as biology or chemistry. You must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to apply to medical school.
Cardiac surgery training in the United States is combined with general thoracic surgery and called cardiothoracic surgery or thoracic surgery. 1  A cardiothoracic surgeon in the U.S. is a physician (D.O. or M.D.) who first completes a general surgery residency (typically 5â7 years), followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship (typically 2â3 years).