The Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Fellowship is a one-year AUPO compliant clinical and surgical fellowship which includes all aspects of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. If desired, fellows can elect to participate in our optional advanced cataract/comprehensive focus and/or global ophthalmology focus programs.
This is a broad-based pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training program that includes extensive exposure to: pediatric and adult strabismus, ROP screening and treatment, ptosis surgery, nasolacrimal duct surgery, and pediatric anterior segment surgery. Our program is particularly oriented towards tailoring itself to the interests and needs of each unique fellow. All fellows will have dedicated fellow clinic time with on-site faculty support. The fellow will also work with experienced orthoptists, particularly in adult strabismus clinics.
Advanced cataract/comprehensive focus
In this optional tract fellows are provided with consistent time to operate with experienced adult cataract surgeons to gain experience in complicated anterior segment surgery and maintain adult cataract surgery skills while in fellowship. This focus would comprise approximately 10-20% of the fellow’s time.
Global ophthalmology focus
In this optional tract, fellows will participate in 2-4 fully funded up to one week-long international trips. Fellows will gain in depth practical experience in the clinic and OR, as well as in the operations/planning domain of international pediatric ophthalmology. Additionally, these trips are a lot of fun, and fellows get to build relationships with a great group of international ophthalmologists. A global health certification is available though Wake Forest University, if desired. This focus would comprise approximately 10-20% of the fellow’s time.
program overview
Wake Forest University School of Medicine is the academic hub of Advocate Health, the third largest health system in the United States. As such, the division of pediatric ophthalmology has unique access to an extremely large referral network of complex pediatric and adult strabismus patients, research opportunities, Western North Carolina’s only Children’s hospital (Link Brenner’s Children’s hospital), and world class facilities, including a 165,000 square foot free standing Eye Institute currently under construction (link to Eye institute.
The fellow will work with an experienced and stable group of three pediatric ophthalmologists and two orthoptists, with over 70 years of combined experience in the field. We are excited to tailor our fellowship to the unique interests of our fellows. Depending on this interest, fellows can expect to be involved in over 300 surgeries and be the primary surgeon for most of them.
The fellow will actively participate in the teaching and supervision of residents. Attendance at the AAPOS annual meeting and the creation/presentation of one research project is expected during the year. This is a funded opportunity. The faculty will mentor the fellow though this process and dedicated research/administration time is part of the fellow’s weekly schedule.
This fellowship position is open to graduates of American ophthalmology residency programs.
