Director: Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi, MD
Fellowship Coordinator: Jose Terrazas

The Glaucoma Division offers an unfunded 15-month to two year International Fellowship in the study of glaucoma. The international fellowship prepares graduates for careers in academic ophthalmology with an emphasis on early detection of glaucoma, glaucoma epidemiology, neuroprotection and other pharmacologic management of glaucoma. 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 entire duration of the fellowship.

Program Description

The International Fellowship in Glaucoma Research is a research fellowship. Eighty percent of the fellow's time is spent in glaucoma 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 surgical management of patients with glaucoma 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 research projects during the year. The results of these investigations are presented at local and national scientific meetings, including the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 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 Glaucoma 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 it 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. Cataract and glaucoma filtration surgery account for the majority of surgery performed by the Glaucoma Division.

Patient Care Facilities
Glaucoma 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 any glaucoma course offerings of the year, the Glaucoma section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science course for residents, journal club and other activities sponsored by the Glaucoma 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 Glaucoma Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Continuing Education Courses
Grand Rounds

Glaucoma Conference Series