When you are referred to "an eye doctor," you might assume that one eye specialist is much like another. In fact, ophthalmology has distinct subspecialties as different from each other as a cardiologist is from a dermatologist. Understanding this distinction can directly affect the quality of your care — and in complex cases, your visual outcome.
Performs vision testing, prescribes spectacles and contact lenses, and screens for common conditions. Does not perform surgery.
A medical doctor (MBBS) with postgraduate ophthalmology training (MS or DNB). Can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions and perform common procedures such as routine cataract surgery.
After completing general ophthalmology training, a vitreoretina surgeon undertakes an additional 1–3 years of dedicated fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. This is one of the most technically demanding subspecialties in all of surgery.
Conditions managed exclusively or best managed by a VR surgeon:
You might ask: cataract surgery is routine — why does subspecialty training matter? Here is why it can make a significant difference:
Approximately 1–5% of cataract surgeries experience a complication called posterior capsule rupture — where the membrane holding the new lens tears. In the hands of a general ophthalmologist, this typically means pausing the procedure and an urgent referral. In the hands of a vitreoretina surgeon like Dr. Neha Khanna, this complication can be managed completely and safely in the same sitting — with outcomes often indistinguishable from an uncomplicated case.
Additionally, a VR surgeon performing your pre-operative assessment is far more likely to detect pre-existing peripheral retinal conditions — such as lattice degeneration or retinal holes — that a general ophthalmologist may miss. Left untreated, these can lead to retinal detachment after surgery.
Dr. Neha Khanna is one of the few fellowship-trained vitreoretina surgeons in the Zirakpur–Mohali–Chandigarh region. Her qualifications:
She trained at Suraj Eye Institute, Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital, and Advance Eye Centre — among India's most respected retina training centres.
Book a consultation with Dr. Neha Khanna at Atmos Eye & Retina Centre, Zirakpur. Most appointments within 1–2 days.