Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is pleased to offer a new orthoptic fellowship program. The study of orthoptics follows a logical sequence of courses critical to the understanding of visual development, eye movements and binocular vision. This program is approved by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the University of Miami as a non-degree certificate program. At the end of the two-year program, students will receive a certificate of completion from UM.

Students accepted into the program will need to register through UM:
https://ucontinue.miami.edu/professionalcertificates/

Program Overview

• Program goal: To prepare students to become efficient members of the vision health care team. For two intensive years of instruction, orthoptic students interact with ophthalmology faculty, residents, fellows, medical students, and medical professionals in a clinic setting.
• Start date: July 
• Duration of program: 2 years
• Enrollment: 1 student per year
• Approach: Courses are taught by an orthoptist and faculty members of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
• Core science disciplines: Anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, pharmacology, diagnostic testing and measurement, systemic diseases and ocular motor disorders, principles of surgery, basic ophthalmic exam techniques, ophthalmic optics, orthoptic treatment
• Additional subject areas may include: Principles of genetics, child development, learning disabilities, clinical research methods, medical writing
• Types of classes: Lectures, clinical training, pediatric ophthalmology journal club (six times a year), weekly grand rounds.
• Admission criteria: Completion of a bachelor's degree. There are no required course prerequisites mandated from the American Orthoptic Council (AOC). 
• Tuition: $7500 (Subject to change)
• Location: Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
• Application Deadline: May 1st

Financing Your Degree

IJCAHPO (International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology) offers a small scholarship for second year students (www.JCAHPO.org).
FOREA (Foundation for Orthoptic Research and Education in America) www.forea.net

Application Information

Candidates are invited to apply for the upcoming session and must submit the following:

• Application
• Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL Score (Only for those whose primary language is not English)

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all required forms are submitted; otherwise, the application will be disregarded.

Selection Criteria

Following the interview process, the candidates will be selected by the program director Charlotte Tibi, C.O. and the faculty of the pediatric ophthalmology service. Candidates will be judged on their core competency, leadership abilities, work ethic, and accomplishments. For more information about the field of orthoptics, visit: www.orthoptics.org 

Apply Online

Contacts

Charlotte Tibi, C.O.
Orthoptist
Director, Orthoptic Fellowship Program
cxt561@med.miami.edu

Jessica Roumat, C.O. 
Orthoptist
Instructor, Orthoptic Fellowship Program
Jxr4658@med.miami.edu
*Please send your application forms to Jessica Roumat.