Caprioli Glaucoma Research Fellowship

Co-Directors: Joseph Caprioli, MD & Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi, MD
Fellowship Coordinator: Brayden Leyva

The Caprioli Glaucoma Research Fellowship  is a funded one to two year research fellowship in the study of glaucoma. The 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.  International fellows are expected to obtain a UCLA J-1 Visa. Fellows may also participate in Section 2111 program of the California Medical Board to participate in 20% clinical activity, with a minimum of a 15 month commitment.  The international fellow must have a good command of both spoken and written English.  The paid fellowship will range from $67,000-$78,000 which is based on prior experience and will be eligible for mid-level benefits including medical health, but not dental or vision.    Applications can be submitted at any time of the year. The program is limited to one Caprioli Fellow at a time.  Although the fellowship is primarily intended for MDs seeking research experience, outstanding PhD applicants, with a secured position to follow, will be considered. 

Program Description

The Caprioli 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.  One year of mentored research time permits the fellow to start and end one or several meaningful research projects without the excessive demands and distractions of patient care. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to academic ophthalmology and have plans for using their experience during their fellowship training after its completion.  

Research

The Caprioli 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. Collaboration with members of the vision science faculty can be arranged for projects of mutual interest. Excellent computer facilities, graphics services, statistical consultation, database management, advanced computer programming, AI expertise, and other services are available.

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 Caprioli 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 fellow is expected to interact with UCLA undergraduate, medical students, residents, and fellows.  The fellow is may to present interesting cases at Grand Rounds and actively participate in the Glaucoma Conference Series.