Georgetown University Medical Center

Ophthalmology

Section: departments

Jay M. Lustbader, MD, Chair

Ophthalmology includes the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, and involves a strong link between the basic and clinical sciences. Although every future physician must become familiar with principles of prevention of blindness, his or her study of the visual system at the clinical level also will require continuous correlations with neurology, a host of systemic diseases, surgery, pediatrics, and other specialties. Thus, ophthalmology is one of the broadest medical disciplines.

All clinical service and research activities of the department are consolidated in the Georgetown University Center for Sight, a leading center for eye care in the greater Washington community. The Department participates in the medical student curriculum throughout the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years.

The Welch-Allyn rechargeable halogen ophthalmoscope is recommended for all students. There are both didactic and hands on experience in Ophthalmology training the 2nd year, through the physical diagnostic course.

During the third year, Ophthalmology participates in the surgical subspecialty rotations during the required surgery clerkship. Students spend two weeks on Ophthalmology, with 1 week in the department at Georgetown University Hospital and 1 week at the Washington VA Hospital. Students will have the opportunity to see patients with a wide variety of ophthalmic diseases during their rotation. Additionally, students will learn and practice the components of a complete eye exam. There are numberous opportunities to observe ophthalmic surgery as well. A 5-page paper on a topic of the student's choice is required.

For the fourth-year student, four-week electives in clinical ophthalmology are available, which include Georgetown's Center for Sight, Washington Hospital Center, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, and the private practice offices of clinical faculty members in the community. These provide concentrated inpatient and outpatient experience, as well as observation of ophthalmic major surgery under close faculty guidance and in constant contact with the 12 resident physicians of the department. Carefully selected and well-planned extramural electives in ophthalmology also are possible with the approval of the department chair.

During their ophthalmology electives, the students are expected to attend regular weekly departmental teaching conferences and Wednesday afternoon academic sessions (including conferences and mid-week rounds). An oral presentation on a topic of interest is required at the conclusion of the elective.

For more information on Georgetown's residency program please select the link below:

Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center Residency Education Program