Site MapOphthalmology Residency Overview
Description of the First Year
Emphasis during the first year is placed on acquiring those skills essential for an in-depth
ophthalmologic exam to include mastering slit lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, as well
as retinoscopy and refraction. Residents develop skills to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of
routine and emergency ophthalmic care. The residents also rotate through all the subspecialty clinics
during their first year. They are introduced gradually to surgical and laser procedures both in the
minor OR and well as in the main OR. They solidify their knowledge in the basic sciences of ophthalmology
by attending an 8-week basic science course in ophthalmology at the end of the first year. The residents
also attend a weeklong course in cataract surgery at USUHS.
Description of the second year
The residents are exposed to patients and surgical procedures of
increasing complexity during the second year. Emphasis is placed on strabismus surgery and introduction
to cataract surgery during the second year. The residents also perform rotations in electrophysiology,
contact lenses, ophthalmic pathology and in the burn ward during the second year.
Description of the third year
The senior residents assume greater responsibility in patient care and supervision of junior residents.
They tackle complex intraocular surgical cases and the bulk
of the surgical experience is acquired during the senior year. The residents attend the weeklong course
in Ophthalmic Pathology hosted by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington D.C. They also
attend the national meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the Tri-Service Ocular
Trauma Course at USUHS. All senior residents participate in a 2-week humanitarian deployment to a third
world country and gain experience in performing a large volume of ophthalmic surgery in an austere
environment.
Academic Program
Daily lecture series by faculty - Mon through Thur 0700-0800. This conference is
teleconferenced between BAMC and WHMC. Weekly grand rounds at UTHSC-SA - Fri 0730-1130. Pre-op
conference - Fri 1300-1400. Monthly military unique curriculum academic program. 6 nationally recognized
Visiting Professors are invited during the academic year. Alamo City Clinical.
Goals
To be able to perform an eight-part eye exam and to use a rational approach for appropriate referral of patients to an ophthalmologist. To obtain hands-on experience with diagnostic tools in ophthalmology to include slit lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, and ophthalmoscopy. To expose the medical student to the management of ophthalmic emergencies in the ambulatory setting. To familiarize the medical student with ocular manifestations of systemic disease. To provide an opportunity for the medical student to observe and assist in ophthalmic surgery. Core Lecture Topics to be given by the residency director or his designee: Review of Ocular and Orbital Anatomy Ocular Emergencies, The Red Eye, Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease During the Ophthalmology rotation, the medical student will also attend all ongoing teaching conferences and grand rounds presentations of the Ophthalmology Service. At the conclusion of the rotation, the medical student will present a 10 - 15 minute talk to the Ophthalmology Service on an ophthalmic topic of his or her choice. Any student wishing to pursue a short- term research project can also be accommodated. Any qualified medical student desiring a rotation on the BAMC Ophthalmology Service should contact the service at 210-916-1245; FAX 210-916-2946. All rotations must also be coordinated through the BAMC Medical Education Office at 1-800-531-1114 or 210-916-2222.