Learning Opportunities

Eye and Vision Science Learning Opportunities

 

Explore below various eye and vision science learning opportunities available for a variety of ages. Find ones that are right for you and sign up.

Categories:

• Lecture Series
• Observership Programs
• Research and Internship Opportunities
• Other Resources

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Lecture Series

Many institutions host experienced vision scientists virtually and in-person. Join a session to learn from the best.

National University Hospital Singapore - Innovation and Precision Eye Health Webinar Series

The Department of Ophthalmology and the Eye N' Brain Research Group at the National University of Singapore in collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Precision Eye Health, Singapore host this monthly webinar series via zoom. Learn more

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine - Eye Research Center's Distinguished Guest Speaker Series

OU Eye Research Institute (ERI)/Eye Research Center (ERC) Kinsey Seminar Series. Learn more

Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Cullen Eye Institute’s Vision Club Seminar Series

The Vision Club Seminar Series provides a platform to connect vision research investigators and clinicians for scientific discussion and research collaboration. The seminar series attracts vision research scientists from the Texas Medical Center, as well as across the U.S. and around the world. The goal of this series is to develop a rich academic environment, cultivate new scientific ideas and advance the frontier of vision research. Events are open to all members of the vision research community and are generally held at 3 - 4pm (unless otherwise specified) on the second Tuesday of every month. Learn more

University of California, Irvine (UCI) Center for Translational Vision Research’s (CTVR) Ophthalmology Seminar: Distinguished Speaker Series

CTVR’s Distinguished Speaker Series showcases innovative research from across the world. Topics range from Ophthalmology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Imaging, Computational Sciences to Novel Ophthalmic Treatments. Seminars are hosted 8:30 – 10am, every Friday during the academic year in person and online via Zoom. Learn more

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Observership Programs

Opportunities to visit and observe clinical practice, including surgery. These experiences range in duration as well as application fees. 

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (Clinical)

• Miami, Fla.
• Open to select physicians from the U.S. and abroad
• Contact Damarys Menendez, bascompalmerobserverships@med.miami.edu
• Learn more

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (Research)

• Miami, Fla.
• Open to select physicians from the U.S. and abroad
• Contact Eva Norton, enorton@miami.edu
• Learn more

Cole Eye Institute

• Cleveland, Ohio
• Open to ophthalmologists from the U.S. and abroad
• Contact Jennifer DiPiero, Cole Eye Institute, dipierj@ccf.org
• Learn more

Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology

• New York, NY
• Open to high school, college and medical school students; residents and trainees; and attending physicians and other professionals
• Contact heiobservership@cumc.columbia.edu
• Learn more

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Research and Internship Opportunities

Research, internship and residency programs available around the globe. 

AI Ready and Equitable Atlas for Diabetes Insights Program (AI-READI)

This internship program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Bridge to Artificial Intelligence (Bridge2AI) program, a large trans-NIH initiative to generate new datasets for advancing artificial intelligence (AI). Our team has developed a yearlong mentored research internship program aimed at diversifying the future workforce at the intersection of data science/AI and the biomedical sciences and clinical research. Our program is now open for applications and encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks and prospective participants. 

The program will include direct mentorship for interns from AI-READI investigators/faculty mentors at sites across the country, as well as opportunities for career development, research ethics workshops, and hands-on instruction in programming during a 2-week bootcamp held at UC San Diego. This is a paid internship, with monthly stipends ranging from approx. $2200 per month for predoctoral interns to $4500 - $5500 per month for post-doctoral interns. Learn more

American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists – Resident and Internship Programs

A selection of available residency and internship programs for individuals interested in veterinary ophthalmology. Learn more

Barrow Neurological Institute – Summer High School Internship Program

For more than 20 years, the Department of Translational Neuroscience at Barrow Neurological Institute has provided high school students with an early opportunity to gain valuable exposure to and participate in scientific research in a professional setting. This allows for high school volunteers to participate in hands-on lab work with cutting-edge technology throughout the entire year. At Barrow Neurological Institute, we strive for top-tier, long-lasting mentorship, providing the students with the tools they need to succeed in their career journey. Check out our Neuro-Ophthalmology Program. Learn more

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Research Training Opportunities

Training of researchers is an integral component of our mission at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the McKnight Vision Research Center. Our comprehensive research training program offers mentored training experiences. Training is provided in the interdisciplinary areas of biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, and clinical research. Both short and long-term opportunities are available for high school, undergraduate, graduate, medical, and post-doctoral students. Learn more

Cole Eye Institute Medical Student Clerkship Rotations

The Cole Eye Institute welcomes medical students in the final quarter of their third year or in the fourth year to participate in a one-month rotation in the Cole Eye Institute. The experience includes lectures, demonstrations, discussions and exposure to a diverse patient population.

Students also have the opportunity to observe surgery, attend Grand Rounds and participate in the Cole Eye Institute’s world-class bench and clinical research. Translational research is a hallmark of the Cole Eye Institute, and students can choose to become involved in significant research that will impact future patient care. A maximum of two one-month rotations are available to students who have completed all of their prerequisites, including core clinical rotations. Learn more

Coppin State University Internship Opportunities at Ophthalmic Research Lab

The Ophthalmic Research Laboratory offers internship opportunities to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, high school graduates, and students enrolled at 2 or 4-year colleges and universities.

The internship runs from June 15-August 15 for the summer session and September 1-May 15 for the academic year-long session. Learn more

Massachusetts Eye and Ear - Student Volunteer Programs

Mass Eye and Ear offers several volunteer programs for high school and college students. Prospects can volunteer for 4 months or longer, in the summer and fall. Learn more

Oakland University, Eye Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Program in Eye Research (SUPER)

SUPER provides a unique opportunity for Oakland University undergraduates to participate in NIH and other externally sponsored research under the mentorship of four ERI faculty. SUPER scholars obtain research training in the disciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, molecular biology and neuroscience. ALL SUPER scholarships include a Research Fellowship up to $4,250, paid biweekly as undergraduate student employment. Students will utilize the latest research methodologies and equipment in the vision science research laboratories at Oakland University. Learn more

Short-Term Research in Vision & Eye Health (STRIVE) Summer 2023 Internship Program

The National Institute of Health (NIH)/National Eye Institute (NEI) has funded the Short-Term Research In Vision & Eye Health (STRIVE) Program which aims to train qualified medical students who have an interest in ophthalmology and vision research, as well as improve diversity in the workforce. This would be the first and only summer medical student research training program at UC San Diego (UCSD) focused on ophthalmology, vision research, and eye health. This program is specifically tailored to medical students who have some clinical knowledge and academic interest, but who may not have extensive prior research experience. Learn more

The Johnson Lab, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

The Johnson Laboratory is happy to host students and trainees of all levels who are interested in learning more about regenerative medicine approaches to treating potentially blinding optic neuropathies such as glaucoma. We have a translational neuroscience laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute with expertise in stem cell biology, preclinical models of optic neuropathy, neuronal transplantation, confocal and multiphoton microscopy (including volumetric 3D rendering of neural tissues and in vivo adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoloscopy), transsynaptic circuit tracing, and calcium imaging (optical electrophysiology). Students and trainees with all levels of prior experience are invited to apply for short- and long-term research positions within the laboratory to learn more about the field and advance this important area of research. Contact Thomas Johnson at johnson@jhmi.edu. Learn more

University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, Summer School

Summer School at the Institute of Ophthalmology is an exciting opportunity to experience what it’s like to conduct medical research at an advanced level during undergraduate studies. Students will be engaged in a variety of lab and clinical experiences depending on their interests and background. Students will be expected to develop an understanding for lab and clinical based research, complete a research poster, and shadow and engage in a lab or clinical experience depending on their prior lab experience. Learn more

Wills Eye Hospital

In addition to providing excellent patient care, Wills Eye Hospital is committed to training the next generation of rising ophthalmologists. Students from accredited US or foreign medical schools are invited to apply for short or long-term research experiences at Wills Eye Hospital. To have a successful research experience, student researchers need to be self-starters, persistent, and team players. Learn more

Wilmer Eye Institute: Diversity Scholars Program

The Wilmer Eye Institute is delighted to invite students who are underrepresented in medicine or from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for a summer research fellowship between the first and second year of medical school. Our department will provide a stipend of $3,000. The program will be offered to four students for the summer of 2023 (8-9 weeks duration) and will be based at the main Johns Hopkins Medical Campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more

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Other Resources

Podcasts, online learning hubs, social media groups, and other methods to learn and meet members of the community. 

Future Leaders in Sight

The group's mission is to educate medical students about legislation affecting ophthalmology patients and connect medical students with local advocacy opportunities. Access resource

Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program

The Advocacy, Support, Perspective, Empowerment, Communication and Training (ASPECT) Patient Engagement Program aims to equip participants with knowledge, skills and confidence to become advocates for vision and eye health. Access resource

The Organization of the Retina and Visual System - WEBVISION

An online textbook and an interactive dynamic blog that covers all things related to the bioscience of the visual system. Access resource

The Glaucoma Foundation and CCNY STEM Institute - Glaucoma Education Pilot Program

This initiative is aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino teenagers and their parents. Access resource 

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - EyeWiki

An encyclopedia covering a wide range of eye pathologies, diagnoses, and techniques. Access resource

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Learn

Online resource for ophthalmic education. Access resource

BrightFocus Foundation – BrightFocus® Chats

The Foundation hosts monthly in-depth conversations with scientists and eye experts to learn the latest on how to manage vision loss and exciting scientific breakthroughs. Access resource

Eyes for Ears

This ophthalmology podcast highlights issues and stories relevant to young ophthalmologists and helps prepare them for residency. Access resource

Eye to Eye Podcast | An Ophthalmology Podcast from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists

This podcast features ophthalmologists and guest speakers from across the healthcare system. They share their knowledge, experiences from around the world, research, and latest developments in the field. Access resource

Eyetrepreneur

“The Podcast for Wizards of Eyes” elevates the eye care profession by recognizing the various sides of eye and vision. Access resource

Eyetube

Eyetube is ophthalmology’s leading source for high-quality ophthalmic surgical videos, educational series, spotlights, and more. Eyetube’s mission is to foster an engaging physician community across all of eye care, powered by user-generated content.

Eyetube’s video library is highly organized to help you find the surgical technique or product demonstration that you want to watch. Find archived content from the latest webcasts, symposia, and roundtables focusing on ocular health and practice management. Access resource

Honestly Bilal

A place where aspiring ophthalmologists share their stories and learn from current ophthalmologists. Access resource

International Council of Ophthalmology – Atlas of Ophthalmology

The Atlas of Ophthalmology is an online multimedia database, free of charge and edited by specialists in the field. It is the biggest database with high-quality, peer-reviewed and commented images. View ophthalmological eye photos and clinical cases with annotations and disease information. Access resource

JAMA Ophthalmology Author Interviews

Authors and editors discuss articles published in JAMA Ophthalmology, a peer-reviewed ophthalmology and vision science journal that publishes clinical research. Access resource

Moorfields Education

Moorfields Eye Hospital works in partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology to deliver world class visionary education courses online and in-person. Get the latest knowledge in medical practice, research and education through these cutting-edge short courses and programs. Access resource

National Eye Institute’s Eye on the Future Video Contest – Contest for Teens

As part of its Eye on the Future campaign, NEI is hosting a national video contest to encourage high school students’ interest in science, eye health, and research careers. Winners will receive cash prizes and a paid trip to visit the National Institutes of Health. Check NEI's website for updates and to watch last year’s winning videos. Access resource

Ophthalmology Off the Grid

A range of eye care experts are invited to share their areas of expertise, their journey, opinions on new and old treatments and technologies, and much more. Access resource

Ophthalmology Times

Ophthalmology news, articles, and events in a timely and accurate manner for members of the ophthalmic community. Provides the tools and knowledge to eyecare professionals to help them improve the delivery of progressive eye health from provider to patient. Access resource

Orbis Future Vision Leaders

A collective of university and medical students, ophthalmology postgraduate trainees and alumni from across Canada who are passionate about eye health. The goal of the Orbis Future Vision Leaders is to create an engaged and inspired community of students and recent graduates who want to network, learn, share and exchange ideas – all while building awareness and raising funds to support Orbis’s sight-saving work around the world. Access resource

The Association of Vision Science Librarians Resources

The AVSL provides a listing of vision-related materials for students, health care professionals, individuals impacted by vision diseases, and more. Access resource

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Advocacy Hub

The hub features key news on global eye health advocacy, blogs from experts on key issues, and resources for eye health advocates. Access resource

The IAPB Knowledge Hub

The IAPB Knowledge Hub contains a wealth of content to support individuals helping to accelerate action on global eye health. The Knowledge Hub brings together evidence, information, key opinions, resources, guides, tools, and the sharing of member experiences on the most important topic areas in global eye health. Access resource

The IAPB Vision Atlas

The IAPB Vision Atlas is an important resource for those responsible for achieving universal health coverage and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a rich mix of data, narrative and interactive presentation tools that make it easy to understand and present complex data sets to a broad audience. Access resource

The Ophthalmology Innovation Summit

Listen to conversations with the most influential industry executives, investors, KOLs, and researchers about what they see as the most exciting approaches to finding new ways to treat eye diseases. Access resource

TimRoot Virtual OphthoBook

This website has many lecture videos on a number of eye-related topics including anatomy, pathologies, and slit-lamp exams. The videos are designed to be very entertaining and created for multiple levels of expertise ranging from beginner to advanced. Access resource

Try Not to Blink

This weekly podcast covers all things optometry from news and hot topics to tips and tricks of the trade. It’s for optometrists and optometry students of all ages, locations, and practice modalities. Access resource

University of Michigan – The Eyes Have It

Online teaching tool on vision and eye care with videos, photos and quizzes to help reinforce core knowledge and procedures. Access resource

VisionServe Alliance – Research & Data Resources

Webinars, presentations, articles, and other helpful materials on vision research. Access resource