Ophthalmology is a medical and surgical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye and its surrounding structures. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences combines postgraduate training with research and patient care in all aspects of the visual sciences. Subspecialties represented in the department include cataract surgery, comprehensive ophthalmology, cornea and external diseases, contact lens and refraction services, genetics and molecular biology, glaucoma, laser refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery, ocular echography, ocular pathology, ocular vascular diseases, optometric services, pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, vitreoretinal disorders, and vision rehabilitation.

Continuing Education

The department sponsors clinical conferences open to community ophthalmologists in Iowa and surrounding states where physicians can earn continuing medical education credits. The department also sponsors an annual alumni meeting with participation by nationally and internationally recognized ophthalmologists and vision scientists.

Professional Program of Study

Certificate

• Certificate in Orthoptics

MD Student Training, Graduate Education

The department offers clinical and research training to MD students. A three-year residency program with clinical experience in the ophthalmic subspecialties is offered to physician trainees. Graduates qualify for the written and oral examinations leading to certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Postgraduate fellowships of one to two years are available for qualified ophthalmologists in most subspecialty areas.

The department maintains research laboratories for cell biology, biochemistry, morphology, tumor diagnosis, pathology, electrophysiology, pupillography, molecular biology, and vascular disease. Clinical facilities in ophthalmology are available at University of Iowa Health Care in the Pomerantz Family Pavilion, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Specialty Clinic, the Iowa River Landing, the VA Iowa City Health Care, and the VA Central Iowa Health Care in Des Moines. The department also manages outreach programs in other communities. The John and Marcia Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory, dedicated to providing affordable testing for rare eye diseases, is associated with the department.

Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Courses