Residency Program

The Department of Ophthalmology is very proud of our training programs at the Medical University of South Carolina as our residents, fellows, faculty, and staff are among the finest in the world. Our residency and fellowship offers the best of everything in an ophthalmic education, including a clinical and surgical learning environment that consistently builds skill and confidence. Our programs also emphasize outstanding patient care, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and community service, all of which shape us into highly effective and ethical ophthalmologists. Our faculty is strongly committed to education and a high degree of respect, and the rapport between our residents, fellows, and attendings fosters close mentorships that further our commitment to clinical and academic excellence. Cooperation, work ethic, and collegial friendships among our residents and fellows are equally impressive. The department believes that our ophthalmology training programs rank among the top in the world.

Our three-year ophthalmology residency program is designed to prepare residents with the knowledge and skills for a lifetime of self-education. Residents see patients while developing strong surgical techniques and pursuing research interests. Clinical and research faculty strive to ensure that residents reach their full potential as ophthalmologists. 

All residents receive a wealth of experience beyond the standard rotation. We have resident-run community clinics where underserved patients receive free eye diagnoses and treatment; a resident-developed lecture series and hands-on training curricula that cross department lines to reach other residents and medical students; individual training sessions on state-of-the-art Alcon and Bausch & Lomb platforms; certification on the Catalys Laser system; annual PHACO surgical courses; an advanced rotation at our local Veteran’s Affairs hospital; and the opportunity to contribute to leading edge research projects by working side-by-side with renowned researchers during their three years with us.

All residents are given the opportunity to present at the annual Kiawah Eye Conference, held at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. It is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of one of the most extensive and instructive educational conferences in the field of ophthalmology. Distinguished faculty and dynamic researchers come together to exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for networking.

Residents come to us with wide-ranging backgrounds, and as educators, it is our responsibility to help them develop their strengths and achieve medical excellence in their clinics, surgical suites, and practices both today and in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many residents are in your program?

• We have 12 residents with four positions offered each year. 

What are your strengths?

• Being the only academic center in Charleston and the major tertiary center for the state of South Carolina, our greatest strengths include clinical and surgical volume, management of complex pathology, and expert faculty in all ophthalmic sub-specialties.

Do residents rotate to a VA hospital?

• Yes. Residents rotate to Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center for a 12 week block in first year, a 12 week block in second year, and a 24 week block in 3rd year. 

How much call do residents take?

• Residents take home call every 8 days, and 2 weekends a month. 

Is there a wet lab? 

• A newly renovated wet lab is available to residents 24 hours a day. We have a wet lab curriculum which includes phacoemulsification, corneal suturing, port placement, and MSICS organized by faculty and senior residents. Practice human eyes are available from Miracles in Sight. 

Are there didactic sessions?

• Yes. Lectures are outlined in curriculum section. 

Do residents need to purchase lenses?

• No. A set of diagnostic lenses (20D, 90D, 78D) are loaned to each resident for the duration of their residency. In addition, gonioscopy lenses, diagnostic lenses, and indirect ophthalmoscopes are available in the clinics. 

Is there a forum to present issues affecting residents? 

• Yes. Program director meets with residents every month to discuss all issues and concerns pertaining to the residency program. Every month we hold chairman lunches to address any interdisciplinary concerns. 

Do residents attend national meetings?

• Residents are encouraged to present at national meetings and receive funding to if they are presenting as first author. In addition, senior residents receive funding to attend AAO even if not presenting. 

What is the publication requirement?

• Residents are required to publish one paper during their residency. Most residents meet this requirement by participating in Kiawah Eye national meeting. 

Do I need a car?

• Yes. As the only academic ophthalmic institution in Charleston, residents cover clinic in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and North Charleston. 

Is parking available for residents?

• Yes. Residents can purchase a parking pass at a discounted rate. 

What are the pay and benefits like?

• Pay and benefits are adjusted yearly by the GME department. The current year’s pay and benefits can be found in the GME handbook, available at the following site: MUSC GME Office