Which of the following best describes the role of an ophthalmologist?

The role of an ophthalmologist is best described as diagnosing and treating eye diseases. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specialized in eye care and possess the training to manage a wide range of eye-related issues. This includes not only diagnosing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration but also developing treatment plans that may involve medication, surgical interventions, and other therapeutic strategies.

Ophthalmologists perform various surgical procedures, which may lead some to think their role is limited to surgery. However, their training encompasses a broad spectrum of care that includes comprehensive eye examinations, prescribing medications, and guiding patients through the management of their eye health.

Additionally, while fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses is indeed an important aspect of vision care, it is primarily the domain of optometrists and opticians rather than ophthalmologists, whose expertise is more focused on both medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases. Thus, option C encompasses the complete scope of an ophthalmologist's responsibilities, reflecting their integral role in both the diagnosis and treatment continuum in eye health.