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In an age of explosive technological development in healthcare, standards of care are rapidly changing. Eyecare is no exception, and managing primary eyecare diseases like glaucoma now include scanning diagnostics as well as in-office laser surgeries like SLT as a supplement or alternative option to ophthalmic drop treatment. While all optometry schools teach these outpatient surgical procedures, only three States have legislation allowing for their practice in patient care.
That number is set to grow in the coming years as a number of States introduce legislation that would enable optometrists to perform laser and other ocular surgical procedures. To respond to the growing need for education, The Rosenberg School of Optometry has launched the first ever Fellowship in Ocular Disease and Optometric Surgery to provide optometrists with advanced clinical training in performing these procedures. 
“Our goal with this fellowship program is to provide optometrists with the best possible preparation for introducing surgical care into their practices,” said Timothy Wingert, O.D., Rosenberg’s Dean. “All optometry schools now train their students to perform surgical procedures, but for doctors who have been in practice a few years and recent graduates seeking advanced training this program will give them the opportunity to perform hundreds of procedures under expert supervision.”
“Our goal with this fellowship program is to provide optometrists with the best possible preparation for introducing surgical care into their practices,” said Timothy Wingert, O.D., Rosenberg’s Dean. “All optometry schools now train their students to perform surgical procedures, but for doctors who have been in practice a few years and recent graduates seeking advanced training this program will give them the opportunity to perform hundreds of procedures under expert supervision.”
We discussed the first ever surgical fellowship with Dr. Katherine Dronka who has performed hundreds of lid lesion removals and in office laser procedures (including iridotomy, SLT and YAG capsulotomy) in her time as a fellow at Golden Eye Associates in Louisiana. She discusses her passion for the program, and how she’s used it to jump start her career in academia!
Applications are now open for the 2018-2019 fellowship position until April 1st. You can learn more about the program and apply by contacting Dr. Kyle Sandberg at ksandber@uiwtx.edu.
