The Duke second-year medical student selective offers a comprehensive rotation with exposure to each ophthalmic subspecialty. Each selective consists of a two-week rotation through the Department of Ophthalmology and is offered five times over a 12-month period.

During the two-week selective, the student is offered daily didactic lectures by renowned faculty on a variety of ophthalmic topics as well as hands-on training to become more familiar with the most commonly used examination equipment. Illustrative handouts as well as reading materials are provided in a binder. During this rotation, the student will be exposed to patient care in the clinics as well as the operating rooms for the following subspecialties: cornea/refractive and external disease, oculoplastics, vitreoretinal diseases, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, and comprehensive ophthalmology. The student will observe ophthalmic photography procedures as well as learn how the ophthalmic technician works up patients through visual acuity examinations and refractions. There is exposure to the ophthalmic research faculty and their projects to allow interested students to learn about the ophthalmology laboratories as they consider their options for third year. The student also experiences one on-call night with the ophthalmology resident during the rotation for exposure to ophthalmic emergencies. Additionally, the program has both a general ophthalmology and pediatric elective.

Course director Sharon Fekrat, MD. Contact: Kina Steele at kina.steele@duke.edu.

Selectives for second-year medical students

Course description from Duke Medical School Bulletin.

OPHTHAL-220C. OPHTHALMOLOGY. This ophthalmology selective is designed to introduce the second year medical student to the medical and surgical aspects of comprehensive ophthalmology, including subspecialties (neuro-ophthalmology, external disease, oculoplastics, cornea, refractive surgery, pediatrics, strabismus, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal disease). There will be didactic instruction with patient care exposure in the clinic setting and operating room. Enrollment: max 5.

Sharon Fekrat, MD. Contact Kina Steele at kina.steele@duke.edu

Electives for second-year medical students

Course description from Duke Medical School Bulletin.

OPHTHAL-252C. GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY. A clinical preceptorship in which the student participates and observes the regular house staff activities including night call, conferences, lectures, patient care, and treatment including surgery. The use of specialized ophthalmic apparatus is emphasized. Prerequisites: OPHTHAL 420C recommended, but not required. Credit: 4. Enrollment: max 4.

R. Rand Allingham, MD. Contact Robin Goodwin at robin.goodwin@duke.edu.

OPHTHAL-255C. PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY. A clinical preceptorship in which the student participates in the outpatient pediatric ophthalmology clinic. The student will encounter the more common ocular disorders of childhood including ocular motility disturbances, congenital cataracts and glaucoma, and congenital genetic and metabolic disorders. In addition, adult motility disorders and neuro-ophthalmic disease such as thyroid eye disease, cranial nerve palsies, and optic nerve abnormalities will be encountered. The diagnosis and treatment aspects are heavily emphasized and opportunities to observe surgery are provided. The course meets by arrangement and requires a minimum of five days per credit. Credit: 4. Enrollment: max 3.

Edward Buckley, MD, Laura Enyedi, MD, Sharon Freedman, MD, David Wallace, MD, MPH, and Terri Young, MD. 

For additional information about registration, contact Duke Medical School:Office of the Registrar