Clinical Training by Year
Rotations consist of 6 two-month training periods over the course of each year and include both subspecialty and general ophthalmology rotations. Clinical and surgical opportunities vary by institution.
First year (PGY II)
The emphasis in the first year is to develop a solid foundation in the ophthalmic exam and basic sciences. First year residents meet weekly throughout the year to cover the material in the Basic and Clinical Science Course series published by the AAO, in addition to the weekly didactic lecture series of the Department. There is ample opportunity, both in general resident clinic and on subspecialty rotations, to learn the comprehensive ophthalmic exam, as well as begin to assist in cataract and plastic surgeries, over the course of the year. First years share primary call with the second years at each hospital. View a sample call schedule. (PDF)
University Hospitals Case Medical Center – This clinical site serves as the location for 3 subspecialty rotations and up to 3 weekly general resident clinics. During the Cornea, Glaucoma, and Pathology/Plastics rotations, you spend a half-day with various attendings in each specialty in both their clinics and surgeries. The Cornea rotation includes cornea and general ophthalmology clinics, Contact Lens clinic and instruction, LASIK surgery and clinic observation, and cataract and corneal surgeries. The Glaucoma rotation allows the resident to see and evaluate all new glaucoma patients as well as work with two different glaucoma specialists in their clinics and the operating room. The Pathology/Plastics rotation encompasses the anatomic, pathologic, clinical, and surgical aspects of ophthalmology. Residents have the opportunity to follow a case from the clinic to surgery to anatomic and histologic analysis of any pathology. Call is shared between the first and second years.
Wade Park Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA) – There are two teams at the VA. The A team consists of one first year, two second years, and one third year, while the B team team consists of one first year and one third year. While one team is devoted to preoperative evaluations and general follow up clinics, the other team is concurrently in the operating room. Specialty clinics, including laser/injection clinics, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, and retina are held on Wednesdays through Fridays and are covered by residents on either team. The first year residents spend significant time in the preoperative evaluation and preparation of surgical patients as well as assisting the chief resident in the operating room. Day Call is covered by optometry residents and night call is shared amongst both teams at the VA and the team at St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital.
St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital – A team comprised of one first year, one second year, and one third year resident. Each week is devoted to outpatient clinics, with all subspecialties covered (neuro-ophthalmology, cornea, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics, pediatrics). Call is covered during the day by the first year resident, and night call is shared with the VA teams. St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital is always a favorite among residents due to the high clinical volume, diverse array of pathology, and strong teaching environment. Due to the high clinical volume at SVCH, there is ample opportunity to hone ophthalmological examination skills including the more advanced techniques of gonioscopy, keratometry, fundus lenses, and scleral depression.