Cornea, External Diseases & Refractive Surgery Fellowship
The Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery Fellowship at UNC is an AUPO-FCC compliant program that offers comprehensive exposure to a wide range of corneal and external ocular diseases. Under the direct supervision of Drs. Soleimani, Banna and Ranjan, the fellow will manage cornea, ocular surface, and complex anterior segment surgeries. Fellow will also participate in residency teaching as well as instructive Grand Rounds.
Surgery
The fellow will gain hands-on experience in various surgical procedures, including:
– Penetrating keratoplasty
– Lamellar keratoplasty
– Scleral graft
– Anterior segment reconstruction and iris prosthesis
– Ocular surface surgeries
– Mastering management of infectious keratitis and chemical burns
– Stem cell transplantation
– Complex cataract surgery including subluxated lens
– Premium IOL implantation and phakic IOLs
– Femtosecond assisted cataract surgery
– Suture-fixated intraocular lens placement and secondary IOL implantation
– Different techniques of keratoconus management
– Intracorneal implants
– Phototherapeutic keratectomy
– LASIK
– PRK
– Femtosecond laser assisted refractive surgery including SMILE
Program Highlights
One-year program with an option for a second year focusing on advanced surgical skills and research if the fellow is qualified based on the recruitment committee decision
– High volume of cornea and ocular surface surgeries
– Exposure to rare corneal diseases and diverse patient population
– Opportunity to participate in high-volume refractive surgery center
– Collaboration with the only Burn Center in North Carolina, providing experience with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular surface burns
– Familiarity with eye banking through Miracles in Sight Eye Bank
– Access to advanced technology, including femtosecond laser-assisted surgeries
Eligibility
– Completed residency training in Ophthalmology from an ACGME-accredited program
– Eligible for medical licensure in North Carolina
– Demonstrated clinical, surgical, and professional competence
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
– Updated CV/Resume
– Personal statement outlining career goals and interest in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery
– Three letters of recommendation
– Copies of medical school diploma and residency certificate
For more information on this fellowship program, please contact Fellowship Program Director Dr. Mohammad Soleimani.