RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Leaders in ophthalmology must not only practice what is known, but also advance the field through research and publication. Each resident is expected to design and conduct a research study on a clinical, surgical, educational or evidence-based medicine research question in the field of ophthalmology. Research findings will be presented at the UTMB OVS Spring Ophthalmology Alumni Meeting or another professional conference. ARVO abstracts are due in December.

Every clinical research project (even chart reviews) must have UTMB Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Every research project using animals must have UTMB Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval.

Research Rotation

Our residents are given four weeks protected time during the second year to develop and complete a research project. With the assistance of our faculty, our residents are expected to submit at least one article during their residency.

Post Residency Ph.D. Program

The OVS department offers a unique program for clinicians with a strong research interest in visual sciences. In conjunction with the UTMB graduate program, residents can begin graduate work towards a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Neurobiology during their time here. Clinicians who have finished their residency work are also eligible. Depending on research progress, it is estimated that residents can earn Ph.D. degrees within two years of residency completion. The research faculty of the department of ophthalmology and visual science are recognized experts in cell and molecular biology and bioengineering.