Clinical Opportunities
There are many opportunities for students to see first-hand ophthalmology in practice.
Stanford’s Department of Ophthalmology has 4 main clinical sites:
- The main department is located at: Blake Wilbur Clinic, 900 Blake Wilbur Ave, 3rd floor (Some departmental offices are located in the Boswell Building, A157, Stanford Hospital)
- California Vitreoretinal Center: http://www.stanfordretina.org/ located at 1225 Crane St, Menlo Park, CA
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center ( http://www.scvmed.org/portal/site/scvmc/ ) Outpatient Ophthalmology Department located on the 1st floor of the outpatient clinic at 751 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, California 95128
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital ( http://www.palo-alto.med.va.gov/ ) , located at: 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1290 on the 2nd floor of Building 100
This will soon change, however, as the Stanford sites will likely merge into the Stanford Eye Institute when that opens. You are always welcome to contact a member of the Stanford Department of Ophthalmology and arrange a shadowing experience on your own. A full list of members is available online at: http://ophthalmology.stanford.edu/faculty/
As a preclinical student, you can also:
- OPHT 280. Early Clinical Experience in Ophthalmology
Provides an early experience in shadowing with an instructor of your choosing.
1 to 2 units, any quarter.
As a clinical student, there are several options available to you:
- OPHT 300A. Ophthalmology Clerkship (SUMC)
A four-week clinical opportunity in ophthalmology at SUMC, PAVAMC, and SCVMC which includes emergency and operating room experience. Weekly lectures covering eye anatomy, the ophthalmologic examination, and the pathophysiology and management of common ophthalmologic diseases. (3 students per period)
- OPHT 300E. Ophthalmology Clerkship (VAPAHCS, Livermore Division)
A two-week clinical opportunity in ophthalmology at the VA Livermore.
Prereq: One core clerkship.
Periods Avail: 2B, 3B-12, full-time for 2 weeks only. 1 student per period. - OPHT 302A. Bay Area Ophthalmology Course: Fundamentals in Clinical and Visual Science
This is a rare gem for Stanford students and is a great introduction to ophthalmology for a 3rd or 4th year student. It is a four week didactic intensive instruction in the basic sciences underlying ophthalmic practice and research. Internationally-recognized faculty teach introductory and applied fundamentals of ophthalmology and vision science. Laboratory sessions include optics, orbital anatomy, pathology, Phacoemulsification wet Lab, and diagnostic testing and imaging. Medical students will spend will spend one half day per week in Ophthalmology clinic with the Chief Resident and/or faculty, participating in examinations, watching surgery, and performing consultations.
Prereq: Pathology, Physiology, Embryology, Pharmacology (first two year medical school curriculum in HHD)
Periods Avail: Period 1, full-time for 4 weeks, 30 students per period. - OPHT 398A. Elective in Ophthalmology (SUMC)
An opportunity to set up your own clinical rotation in ophthalmology. You need to contact a faculty and arrange it on your own. - INDE 310A. Continuity of Care Clerkship
This is a 9-month long weekly continuity clinic that occurs one half-day per week during all your other clinical clerkships or during years between your preclinical and clinical years. Dr. Eva Weinlander is the course director, and you can set it up with an ophthalmology faculty member of your choosing. Ones who have participated in the past include: Glenn Cockerham at the Palo Alto VA, Douglas Fredrick at Packard, Steve Sanislo at the CA Vitreoretinal Center, and Kuldev Singh at Blake Wilbur.
