Corneal-External Ocular Disease
Director: Anthony J. Aldave, MD
Fellowship Coordinator: TBD
The Cornea-External Ocular Disease & Uveitis Division offers an unfunded one-year International Fellowship in the study of diseases of the cornea, external eye, anterior segment and refractive surgery. The international fellowship prepares graduates for careers in academic ophthalmology with an emphasis on inflammatory diseases of the external eye, immunologic mechanisms of ocular disease, autoimmunity, recognition and management of routine and uncommon corneal pathology, and evaluation of problems related to refractive surgery. The international fellow is expected to obtain a UCLA J-1 Visa and permission from the California Medical Board to participate in clinical activities through its Section 2111 program. The international fellow must speak English well enough to communicate independently with patients and staff. The international fellow must maintain health and repatriation insurance and have adequate funds to cover living expenses for the year.
Program Description: The International Fellowship in Cornea-External Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery Research is a research fellowship. Eighty percent of the fellow's time is spent in cornea research. The combined interests of the fellowship preceptor and the international fellow determine subject areas for study. Twenty percent of the fellow's time is spent in incidental patient care related to the research program. Applicants should be proficient in the evaluation and management of patients with corneal disease before commencing the fellowship. One year of protected research time permits the fellow to start and end one or several meaningful research projects without the demands and distractions of patient care. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic ophthalmology and have plans for using the fellowship training after returning home. At the completion of training, the Jules Stein Eye Institute issues an International Fellowship certificate.
Research : The international fellow is expected to participate in several research projects during the year. The results of these investigations are presented at local and national scientific meetings, and at the Research and Alumni Day of the Jules Stein Eye Institute. A Microsurgery Laboratory is available for animal surgery experiments. Collaboration with members of the vision science faculty can be arranged for projects of mutual interest. Excellent computer facilities, graphics services, statistical consultation and other services are available.
Clinical Experience: Incidental clinical experience related to the research program is gained by working in the Cornea-External Ocular Disease & Uveitis Suite, the Laser Refractive Center and the Operating Rooms of the Jules Stein Eye Institute. The Section 2111 appointment enables the international fellow to participate in the evaluation and management of patients in the examination suite, and permits the fellow to assist during surgery. In the suite, a faculty preceptor examines all patients seen by the international fellow. Surgical experience is gained by observing and assisting during surgery, supplemented by experimental work in the Microsurgery Laboratory. Corneal transplantation and refractive surgery accounts for the majority of surgery performed by the Cornea-External Ocular Disease & Uveitis Division.
Patient Care Facilities
Cornea-External Ocular Disease & Uveitis Division
Teaching: The educational experience of the international fellow is augmented by participation in Jules Stein Eye Institute Courses and Grand Rounds, and by interaction with other members of the Institute's full-time and clinical faculty. Teaching is an integral part of the international fellowship experience. The international fellow is expected to participate as an instructor in any cornea course offerings for the year, the External Disease and Cornea section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science course for residents, journal club and other courses offered by the Cornea Division. The international fellow is expected to interact with medical students and other visitors to the Institute.