Ophthalmology is an incredibly gratifying field, encompassing both medical and surgical treatments to preserve and improve sight for our patients.

Online Resources for Medical Students in Ophthalmology

American Academy of Ophthalmology

• ‍aao.org/medical-students
• Resources for Medical Students from the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Student Doctor

• studentdoctor.net
• Largest online forum for ophthalmology having information of applying in ophthalmology and miscallenous questions.

Ophthobook

• ophthobook.com
• A fantastic resource written by an ophthlalmologist Timothy Root with entertaining lectures and text to explain ophthalmology as a medical student level.

How Do Eye Match

• howdoeyematch.com/for-students/
• Website started by ophthalmology resident which has helpful information on applying to ophthalmology

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Top 10 Reasons to Become an Ophthalmologist

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- Abridged from a presentation by Daniel Chao, M.D., Ph.D.

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• 10. Ophthalmologists have a lot of toys
  • Ophthalmology is very technology oriented with cutting edge lasers, microscopes, cameras and various instruments to use to prevent blindness
• 9. The eye is a window into the soul and systemic disease
  • Not only do diagnose eye disease, but we can save lives through diagnosis of pituitary tumors, CNS aneurysms, sequale and hypertension and diabetes, and cancer
• 8. Ophthalmology clinic is actually a lot of fun
  • Clinic consists of examination with various microscopes, office procedures such as lasers, injections and biopsy. It is more than just a vehicle to sign up people for surgery
• 7. Ophthalmology allows for excellent work-life balance
  • After finishing training, most ophthalmologists work regular hours with time for family and other activities.
• 6. There is a subspecialty for every type of person and personality
  • Cornea, Pediatrics, Retina, Oncology, Glaucoma, Ocular Pathology, Neuro-ophthalmology -- there is something for everyone
• 5. There are many opportunities for global health in ophthalmology‍
  • The #1 cause of blindness in the world is cataracts. A simple 10-15 minute procedure that you learn in residency can literally “cure blindness” in many parts of the world. Few things are more satisfying than this
• 4. Ophthalmology surgeries are fun, rewarding and short
  • Most surgery is under the microscope, lasting between 10 minutes to 2 hours. - And you get to sit down like a civilized person!
• 3. Ophthalmologists are at the forefront of medical research and innovation
  • Ophthalmology is an ideal field for MD/PhDs. Ophthalmology is at the forefront of biomedical research in gene therapy, stem cells and regenerative medicine, imaging, vascular biology among others. All areas of research are represented within ophthalmology. There are huge opportunities for clinician-scientists in ophthalmology and much less competitive compared to saturated areas like oncology and neurology.
• 2. People care about their vision
  • People fear going blind more than dying. Thus, when you suggest treatment for their eyes, patients will usually follow it.
• 1. Ophthalmology is filled with happy, smart, nice people
  • The ophthalmology community is filled with inspiring smart, happy and fun to be around people.

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Preclinical

Ophthalmology Free Clinic: The UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project is one of the largest medical student free clinics in the country.

• https://meded.ucsd.edu/freeclinic

There is a dedicated ophthalmology clinic run and organized by UCSD medical students. The free clinic allows medical students to get hands on exposure to ophthalmology staffed by volunteer ophthalmologists and residents.

Introduction to Ophthalmology: A preclinical elective for 1st and 2nd year medical students.
OPHTH 250 “Introduction to Ophthalmology” is available to get exposure to ophthalmology through shadowing in the clinic, operating room and participating in the free clinic.

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Research

Many faculty are engaged in cutting edge laboratory and clinical research in ophthalmology. Please contact individual faculty members for potential research projects.

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Clinical Clerkships / Rotations

The UCSD Department of Ophthalmology offers a month-long elective to fourth-year UCSD medical students and a two-week surgical elective to third-year UCSD medical students. The fourth-year elective is also open to students from accredited North American medical and osteopathic schools, and on a limited basis, to students from schools outside of North America.

Students from LCME-accredited medical schools and COCA-accredited osteopathic schools should visit VSAS for more information, including the application process and dates available.

Students from medical schools outside North America should visit the Visiting Student Programwebsite by for more information.

Specialized independent electives with various faculty are also available.

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The UCSD Ophthalmology Interest group consists of a group of medical students interested in learning more about ophthalmology. Activities include: faculty mixers, match panels, research discussions, mock residency interviews and residency application preparation.

Please contact Catherine Y. Liu, MD, PhD by email for more information.

Faculty advisors for the Ophthalmology Interest Group include:

Catherine Y Liu, MD, PhD - Director of Medical Student Education
Derek Welsbie, M.D., Ph.D.
Andrew Camp, M.D.