Ophthalmic pathology expertise is in great demand at academic medical centers with the increase in specialized clinical eye institutes and increasingly sophisticated surgical and medical treatments for eye diseases. At Stanford, we offer a unique fellowship program in ophthalmic pathology that provides cutting-edge training in diagnosis of eye diseases from ocular, orbital, and adnexal biopsies and surgeries. Our program draws upon the wealth of ophthalmic surgeries performed at the Stanford Hospital, Byers Eye Institute, and VA Palo Alto Healthcare System.  Our program receives advanced consultative material from private hospitals, medical examiners, as well as major VA hospitals throughout California (Greater Los Angeles VA network, VA San Diego, VA Long Beach, etc). These provide comprehensive exposure to virtually all types of ocular tissue specimens, surgeries, and pathology manifestations of eye diseases. These also provide an unparalleled range of tissue-based research opportunities to investigate the cellular and molecular pathomechanisms of eye diseases. The Ophthalmic Pathology Fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program.

The ophthalmic pathology fellows will have opportunities for learning in a multidisciplinary setting from colleagues in other specialties of ophthalmology and pathology. Graduated responsibility opportunities include a Junior Attending rotation, presenting at tumor boards, teaching opportunities, and service as a point person and consultant on eye-pathology-related issues.

Significant elective and research time is provided during the fellowship for fellows to explore scientific and translational research interests.  The Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology also provide extensive support and resources for fellows who wish to develop independent research programs.  Electives include ophthalmic specialties (cornea, ocular oncology, oculoplastics, glaucoma) and pathology subspecialties (neuropathology, dermatopathology, molecular pathology). Additional electives can be arranged to support the fellows' career goals.   

The fellowship accepts up to 2 fellows/year. Applicants with pathology or ophthalmology training are welcome and will be supported by Department of Pathology or Ophthalmology (depending on the candidate's background).

Stanford establishes PGY levels for new fellows based on the successful completion of all prerequisite training required for entry into your fellowship program. Stanford does not recognize additional training beyond the prerequisite training requirements when establishing the PGY level for entry into the program.

Jonathan Lin, MD, PhD

Professor of Pathology
Director, Ophthalmic Pathology Service
Director, Ophthalmic Pathology Fellowship Program

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During the 1-year fellowship, ophthalmic pathology fellows will spend
their time seeing cases at the following sites including:

Dr. Andrew Nelson is an assistant professor of comprehensive ophthalmology at the UC Davis Tschannen Eye Institute, as well as a recent graduate of the UC Davis ophthalmology residency program. He is joining the Stanford Byers Eye Institute as a part time clinical fellow in ophthalmic pathology. His research interests include animal models of anterior segment diseases and the epidemiology of ocular trauma. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, and playing tennis.

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