Curriculum

The curriculum is well-rounded and follows the Curriculum Guidelines, as set forth by the International Council of Ophthalmology and the ACGME. This program provides a stable, well-coordinated, and progressive educational experience in the entire spectrum of ophthalmic diseases and ocular surgery. Residents in ophthalmology develop diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical skills, as well as sound judgment in the application of such skills, thereby providing a base for a comprehensive ophthalmic practice.

There is a rigorous daily didactic schedule with lectures by faculty followed by another hour of meetings, including practice management, research management, morbidity and mortality conference, journal club and basic science conference. There is protected time for daily conferences, lectures and grand rounds, which are mandatory for all residents. A sample of the conference schedule is provided.

The research curriculum includes focused interactive discussion on clinical trials, biostatistics, data management, statistical analysis, publication and interpretation of findings. Ophthalmology faculty give research lectures during the monthly journal clubs. The institution provides a Ph.D. biostatistician for both a consultation and a multi-session course open to all residents on the basics of biostatistics, research design, and interpretation of scientific literature.

Ophthalmology residents are involved in didactic and clinical teaching of the rotating internal medicine residents with the faculty. All PGY-2 residents participate in the institution-wide Residents as Teachers course to improve their teaching skills. The residency also facilitates a “Residents as Educators” course for PGY-2 residents. Residents are involved in formal teaching of all technicians in the department one-half hour every week.

Residents are encouraged to participate in local eye camps and other community and public health campaigns organized by Shands Jacksonville and local charity organizations.

In compliance with the duty hours standards put forth by the ACGME, each resident will work no more than 80 hours per week, on average, and have one day off in seven that will be free of all duties. All residents take calls from home, and each resident is on call every fourth day. There is close and direct faculty supervision for all medical and surgical patient care. In addition, care of emergency patients is discussed with the faculty on call.

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