Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Research
Director: Joseph L. Demer, MD, PhD
Fellowship Coordinator:
The Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Division offers an unfunded one-year International Fellowship in the study of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. The international fellowship prepares graduates for careers in academic ophthalmology with an emphasis on orbital biomechanics, orbital imaging, strabismus modelling, vertical strabismus and complex consultation. 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 Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Division is a research fellowship. Eighty percent of the fellow's time is spent in research. The combined interests of the fellowship preceptor and international fellow define specific 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 surgical management of patients with strabismus 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 Stein Eye Institute issues an International Fellowship certificate.
Research: The international fellow is expected to undertake several clinical research projects during the year. The results of these clinical investigations are presented at local and national scientific meetings, and at the Research and Alumni Day of the 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.
Research Facilities
Education Facilities
Clinical Experience: Incidental clinical experience related to the research program is gained by working in the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Suite and the Operating Rooms of the 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, the 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. Strabismus surgery accounts for the majority of surgery performed by the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Division.
Patient Care Facilities
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Division
Teaching: The educational experience of the international fellow is augmented by participation in 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 the Pediatric Division course offering of the year, the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science course for residents, journal club and other courses offered by the Division. The international fellow is expected to interact with medical students and other visitors in the operating room. The international fellow is expected to present interesting cases at Grand Rounds and be an instructor or lecturer at courses offered at the annual meetings of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.