OVNS Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program

Introduction

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) offers a two-year Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship accredited by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO-FCC). Our program is committed to developing exceptional ophthalmologists into highly skilled, compassionate vitreoretinal specialists through comprehensive clinical, surgical, and academic training.

UTMB has a longstanding tradition of excellence in vitreoretinal education, with sixteen graduates who have gone on to establish successful careers in academic medicine and private practice across the country. Fellows receive individualized mentorship from a distinguished faculty dedicated to advancing patient care, education, and research.

Our multidisciplinary faculty includes experts in vitreoretinal surgery, uveitis, ocular oncology, and neuro-ophthalmology, providing fellows with a broad and collaborative learning experience. This diverse clinical environment fosters a comprehensive understanding of complex retinal diseases and their management.

A unique strength of the UTMB fellowship is the opportunity to care for patients across multiple clinical settings, including both community-based clinics and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) health system. This exceptional patient population exposes fellows to an extensive spectrum of retinal pathology—from common disorders to rare and advanced diseases—ensuring graduates are well prepared to diagnose and manage even the most challenging medical and surgical retinal conditions with confidence.

Touka Banaee, MD Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Program Director, OVNS Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program