We are currently accepting applications through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). Rotations will be subject to current Wake Forest School of Medicine COVID policies.

The Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology welcomes all fourth-year Wake Forest and Visiting Medical Students with a strong interest in ophthalmology to apply to rotate through our department. Medical students currently enrolled in U.S. allopathic medical schools should apply through VSLO. 

Our top priorities during your rotation are to:

  • Advance your overall fund of knowledge in ophthalmology.
  • Gain experience in providing ophthalmic care in multiple settings including clinic, operating room, inpatient, and emergency department.
  • Exposure to each ophthalmic subspecialty.
  • Develop connections and gain familiarity with our department and our city.

We accept one visiting student to rotate during each academic block listed on the rotation dates below.

Curriculum Overview

Clerkship curriculum will include:

  • Participate in ophthalmology outpatient clinic including routine and urgent patient visits, lasers, refractive surgery, and minor procedures.
  • Assist our residents in running urgent clinic, as well as see inpatient and emergency department consults.
  • Scrub in the OR for oculoplastics, cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and retina surgery.
  • Learn about the surgical and medical management of acute and chronic ophthalmic issues.
  • Take part in departmental educational conferences, grand rounds, wet labs, and journal clubs.
  • Present at grand rounds
  • Receive guidance from a senior resident mentor.
  • Experience life in Winston-Salem and consider what it would be like to complete your residency here.

Rotation Dates

Block 4 -  6/10 – 7/7/24
Block 5 -  7/8 – 8/4/24
Block 6 -  8/5 – 9/1/24
Block 7 -  9/2 – 9/29/24
Block 8 -  9/30 – 10/27/24

Application Requirements

  • VSLO Application
  • CV/resume
  • 1 letter of recommendation from faculty mentors
  • Transcripts
  • USMLE scores
  • Photo

Scholarship Clerkship Program for Visiting Medical Students

Wake Forest School of Medicine and the Department of Ophthalmology are proud to partner in offering The Scholarship Clerkship Program. This program is designed to promote diversity in the Ophthalmology residency program through providing scholarship assistance to visiting fourth-year medical students.

The Scholarship Clerkship Program is administered by the School of Medicine's Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity scholarship opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. These programs provide financial support as part of our focus on creating an educational environment that embodies diversity and inclusion.

Applicants must be fourth-year, U.S. medical school students in good standing at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME) or the Education Department of the American Osteopathic Association. Applicants may be eligible to complete one four-week elective. Students from groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Accepted students will receive a stipend to assist with housing and travel expenses.

Interested students must submit the visiting student application through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) in addition to the scholarship application. The scholarship application is a separate application and will only be reviewed after you have been accepted for a visiting clerkship.