The Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone offer several educational opportunities for medical students to develop their clinical and surgical skills.

Ophthalmology Preclinical Education

Medical students enrolled in NYU Grossman School of Medicine receive an introduction to the eye and visual system during their preclinical years. This includes lectures on ocular and orbital anatomy, development and physiology of the visual system, pharmacology, and pathology of the visual system.

An introduction to the eye examination and testing of the visual system is included in part of the Practice of Medicine course during your second year. You learn how to test visual acuity and the sensory components of vision, as well as how to perform an external eye examination and direct ophthalmoscopy.

Ophthalmology Electives for NYU Grossman School of Medicine Students

Our department offers a two-week general elective rotation and a four-week advanced elective rotation during your clinical years. In both rotations, students work alongside our clinical faculty, residents, and fellows in eye clinics, operating rooms, and consult services. Your rotations take place at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the Manhattan campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, and NYU Langone Eye Center.

The general elective provides a thorough overview of ophthalmology and how to treat eye disease. By the end of the rotation, you obtain an understanding of eye examination techniques, how to treat eye diseases as a general physician, and when a referral to an ophthalmologist is warranted.

The advanced elective is designed to enhance the physical examination skills learned in the general elective and move toward independent patient workups under direct faculty supervision. You learn in more detail the various subspecialties within ophthalmology and have an opportunity for a one-on-one preceptorship with our faculty mentors. This course is designed for students who want more experience treating eye disease, including those interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology Shadowing Policy for NYU Grossman School of Medicine Students

Medical students are encouraged to learn more about the practice of ophthalmology through shadowing experiences with our expert faculty. Please contact nicole.mazzone@nyulangone.org to schedule your experience at least one month prior to your requested shadowing dates. Please provide a list of available dates and times and we will confirm if preceptors are available. Please note that shadowing is not permitted from July to September to allow new residents time to adjust.

Ophthalmology Preceptorship Policy for NYU Grossman School of Medicine Students

Medical students interested in obtaining credit for clinical experience in ophthalmology are required to take introductory and advanced ophthalmology electives. If you have extenuating circumstances preventing you from scheduling an official rotation, we can offer a two-week preceptorship on a case-by-case basis. Please contact nicole.mazzone@nyulangone.org for more information.

Ophthalmology Elective for Visiting Medical Students

We also offer four-week elective to visiting medical students who are in their final year of medical school. Learn more about our elective for visiting medical students.

Didactics Training

Students have the opportunity to participate in all departmental didactics including grand rounds and resident lectures. In addition, the Department of Ophthalmology has created an entire medical student–specific virtual curriculum to complement the clinical experience. You have dedicated time throughout your rotations to study the foundation of ophthalmology through remote lectures, journal clubs, and case presentations, all at the appropriate level for a medical student.

How to Apply

Learn more about the electives application process for NYU Grossman School of Medicine students.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact ophthalmologyadmineducation@nyulangone.org.