Residency Program

Illuminating The Future

Becoming a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist requires a strong fund of knowledge, abundant hands-on experience, dedicated mentorship, and a strong support system. At the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), our Ophthalmology Residency Program offers a rigorous, well-rounded education rooted in surgical excellence, patient-centered care, and personal growth.

At the heart of our mission is an unwavering commitment to patient care. Every aspect of the residency program is designed with the ultimate goal of producing ophthalmologists who are not only technically skilled but also empathetic and dedicated to providing the highest quality care to their patients.

At the Storm Eye Institute, we enjoy a culture of collaboration and camaraderie. We recognize that residency can be demanding, and a supportive peer network is essential. Residents are encouraged to learn from each other and build lasting relationships. This collaborative spirit extends to faculty and staff, which creates a supportive environment in which everyone is invested in the residents' success.

Our curriculum is designed to build both confidence and competence through progressive autonomy and early surgical experience. The diverse patient population served by MUSC provides invaluable experience in managing a wide range of ophthalmic diseases, preparing residents to effectively serve any community they choose to practice in. Our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to practice as comprehensive ophthalmologists or in the fellowship of their choice.

Research is another key pillar of our program. Our faculty engage in high impact investigations, which enable our residents to contribute to the future of ophthalmology.

We have a long history of providing ophthalmologic care internationally. We believe that exposure to different healthcare systems and resource-limited settings enhances resident education. Each of our residents has the opportunity to gain a global perspective on ophthalmic care through medical mission trips with surgeons in various subspecialities including cataract, strabismus, cornea, and glaucoma surgery.

We believe that personal growth is inextricably linked to professional development, so the program actively promotes opportunities for residents to cultivate leadership skills, communication skills, and overall well-being. Our program is located in Charleston, South Carolina—a city known for its charm, history, and vibrant culture. With its scenic coastline and renowned food scene, Charleston offers an exceptional quality of life that complements the intensity of residency and fosters a healthy work-life balance.

But what truly distinguishes our program is our faculty, who together represent every ophthalmic subspecialty. In addition to being accomplished surgeons, researchers, and teachers, they serve as dedicated mentors who are genuinely committed to the professional and personal development of each resident. 

We look forward to meeting future ophthalmologists who share our passion for excellence and our commitment to changing what’s possible.

Program Leadership

 

James Bowsher, M.D.

Program Director

 

Susannah Brown, M.D.

Assistant Program Director

 

Becky Daniel

Program Coordinator