Our Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship offers a 12-month, robust, comprehensive training experience in clinical and surgical neuro-ophthalmology. Fellows are mentored by experienced neuro-ophthalmology fellowship-trained faculty:  Vivek R. Patel, MD (Ophthalmology), R. Wade Crow, MD (Ophthalmology), and Samuel Spiegel MD (Neurology).  Ophthalmology-trained fellows rotate through neuro-ophthalmology clinics and operating rooms at the UCI Medical Center, the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, and the VA Long Beach Medical Center. Procedurally, the fellow will gain experience in complex adult strabismus surgery (cyclovertical muscles, transpositions, adjustable suture techniques, and nystagmus surgery), botulinum injections for hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm, as well as some exposure to orbit / oculoplastics procedures (eg. orbital biopsies, optic nerve sheath fenestrations) relevant to the management of the neuro-ophthalmic patient.  Training can be tailored to each individual’s strengths and interests, and opportunities to work with our experienced orbit/oculoplastics faculty can be readily incorporated.

Neurology-trained fellows will also rotate through the clinical practices of our 3 faculty and will have additional opportunities for research and collaboration with the Neuroimmunology department (we have a combined NMOSD clinic) and neuroradiology. 

All fellows will benefit from the opportunity to evaluate and manage patients with complex afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Didactics, case-discussion forums, regional journal clubs, multi-disciplinary rounds, and neuroradiological review sessions augment the busy clinical and surgical exposure. The diverse expertise and busy practices of the fellowship mentors affords each trainee ample opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge base, and experience required for independent practice as a clinical and surgical neuro-ophthalmologist.  There will also be opportunities for graded autonomy to ensure readiness for independent practice. Each fellow participates actively in the teaching and mentorship of UCI medical students and residents. A rich scholarly community surrounds our Division, providing the motivated fellow with excellent opportunities to lay a strong academic foundation through research and innovation.  

Application Procedures

All applicants must register with and apply through San Francisco Match. Applications should be received by the department by the end of August.

Send supplemental materials — scores on the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP), a CV and a photograph — via e-mail to:

Natally Alvarado
Fellowship Coordinator
Department of Ophthalmology
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-4375
Phone: 949-824-7105
natallya@hs.uci.edu

Interview Process

Applicants are notified by e-mail if they are selected for personal interviews with faculty members.

Benefits

  • Choices for health, vision and dental insurance are available through the Veterans Administration at additional cost.
  • Life insurance is provided at no additional cost to the fellow.
  • Long-term disability insurance is offered at an additional cost through the University of California Regents.
  • Fellows are provided with professional liability coverage for all activities that are approved components of the fellowship program.
  • Other benefits include:
    -Two weeks of vacation and an academic leave each academic year
    -Financial support to attend major scientific meetings when the fellow is a first author on a paper or abstract