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Healthcare Professionals

Welcome clinicians and researchers. As the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is committed to ophthalmic education, locally and globally.

This section presents an invaluable archive of case studies, information on our extensive continuing education programs and Bascom Palmer’s remarkable ophthalmic library.

Bascom Palmer’s tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. In particular, the institute works for the global advancement of ophthalmology through continuing education. Ophthalmology Times, an industry periodical for and by ophthalmologists, surveyed ophthalmology department chairmen and residency program directors who rated Bascom Palmer’s patient care and residency programs the best in the nation. Our accredited Residency, Fellowship & Observership Programs are offered in conjunction with Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Click on above link for detailed information and forms.

Applications for Bascom Palmer’s highly competitive three-year residency training program are welcomed during the summer, through the Ophthalmology Matching Program. Bascom Palmer Fellowships, which offer incomparable opportunities for excellence, are available in all ophthalmic sub-specialties. The Clinical Observership Program offers unique options to meet the individual physician’s educational needs. The observership tutorial does not entail treatment, assessment or diagnosis of patients, and can be as brief as two weeks. Application for observerships must be submitted at least six months in advance.

Ophthalmologists and physicians from around the world attend a variety of presentations offered as part of the institute’s continuing medical education programs. For a full listing of coming events, click on Calendar of Courses, Seminars & Conferences.

Each week, invited South Florida ophthalmologists, Bascom Palmer faculty members, residents and fellows participate in “Grand Rounds” to study unique medical cases, to benefit from educational lectures and to consult with other physicians on unusual patient cases. To view illustrated presentation of the case studies, click on Grand Rounds.

Ophthalmology Training Program

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the Department of Ophthalmology for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, offers a three-year accredited residency training program in affiliation with Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Graduates of recognized U.S. medical schools who have completed a twelve-month internship are eligible to enter the program.

Annually, seven first-year residents are carefully selected from the hundreds of candidates who apply. At all times, there are tewnty-one participants in various stages of the three-year program.

Positions are filled through the Ophthalmology Matching Program. Information and applications may be obtained from SF Match.

  • First year
    Basic techniques of ocular diagnosis and medical management of a variety of ocular diseases. Subspecialty training in neuro-ophthalmology, pathology and pediatric ophthalmology.

  • Second year
    In-depth exposure to the subspecialties of glaucoma, cornea and external diseases, retina, oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology, and neuro-ophthalmology. Introduction to ophthalmic surgery.

  • Third year
    Residents assume full responsibility for the medical and surgical care of patients with all types of ophthalmic diseases. Further subspecialty training in oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology and retina.

An ongoing basic science course is integrated into the training program throughout the three years of residency.

Ophthalmology residents have full responsibility for thousands of patients annually at the outpatient facility at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Under graded faculty supervision, third-year residents perform major eye operations.

Bascom Palmer residents’ medical and surgical experience is augmented by a training site at the Miami Veterans Administration Hospital.

The following fellowships are available in the Department of Ophthalmology: