What is an Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist)?
An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist, a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye M.D.s are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many Eye M.D.s are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
Education and Training
In addition to four years of medical school and one year of internship, every Eye M.D. spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, Eye M.D.s receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases. Often, an Eye M.D. spends an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)
Board Certification
Many (but not all) Eye M.D.s are board certified. A board certified Eye M.D. has passed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology designed to assess his/her knowledge, experience and skills
Dr. Mark Johnson was raised in a large family on a farm near Spokane, Washington. That upbringing taught him the importance of hard work and caring for others. He believes the essence of medicine is caring- caring about and for each person. It is his conviction, and that of our entire staff, that we truly can change the world by helping people reach their best level of sight and well-being.
Dr. Johnson completed his undergraduate work at the University of Miami with a full academic scholarship where he graduated magna cum laude. He then went to the prestigious Northwestern University where he was a Rhodes scholar nominee. He did a year of internal medicine at St Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois and completed his ophthalmolog training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
He was a commisioned officer for thirteen years, and served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He rose to the rank of Major. He was Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida. He served in the 31st and 56 Medical Wings, and the 11th Air Group. He provided professional support for MacDill's many specialized commands.
He has served as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida, where he was an expert instructor in eye surgery. His skill in eye surgery has been recognized by the American Board of Eye Surgery.
He has lived and practiced in Venice and Englewood since 1996. He has been married since 1984, and has three children. His interests include fishing, soccer, golf, computers, and literature.
