Ophthalmic Genetics Fellowship

The Ophthalmic Genetics Division at the OHSU Casey Eye Institute offers clinical, clinical-research, and research fellowships. The ophthalmic genetics clinical and clinical-research fellows receive training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of patients with a wide range of inherited retinal diseases and learns to distinguish them from autoimmune and uveitic masqueraders. The ophthalmic genetics clinical and clinical research fellows also will become adept with the utilization and interpretation of multimodal imaging, visual electrophysiology, psychophysical testing and genetic diagnostics. The clinical and clinical-research fellowships also include exposure to the OHSU Casey Eye Institute Gene Therapy Center and the Casey Reading Center. 

Program information

Clinical Fellowship

The clinical fellowship is a 1-year fellowship that will prepare the fellow to work independently as an inherited retinal disease specialist. Fellows actively participate in the clinics of the faculty under direct supervision three days a week. Two days a week, the fellow will have time to pursue a clinical or translational research project. In addition, fellows will have teaching and educational opportunities. Candidates must hold an M.D. or equivalent degree, successfully have completed at least three years of training in an ophthalmology residency, passed USMLE Steps I/II/III and be eligible for an Oregon Medical License.

Clinical Research Fellowship

Fellows actively participate in the clinics of the faculty under direct supervision three days a week in a clinical observer role. Two days a week, the fellow will have time to pursue a clinical or translational research project. In addition, fellows will have teaching and educational opportunities. Candidates must hold an M.D. or equivalent degree and must have successfully completed at least three years of training in an ophthalmology residency. Completion of the USMLE is not required. 

Learn more

How to apply

All candidates interested in pursuing an Ophthalmic Genetics Fellowship (typically starting in July of each year) must submit completed application by Aug. 15 of the preceding year. Applications will be reviewed between August 15 – September 30 for selection of fellowship candidate(s) for the following year.  Applications will not be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. This submission timeline is critical due to the often lengthy process for OHSU level approval and obtaining appropriate visa documentation for international applicants.

Application materials include all of the following documents:

  • Current CV
  • One page statement of interest that describes your interest in the clinical fellowship and your plan for funding.
  • 3 letters of recommendation.
  • Letter showing proof of secured funding from relevant sponsors for international fellowship applicants. 

Please send completed applications to:

Seville Strickler
515 SW Campus Dr. 
Portland, OR 97239

Below you will find a list of related training opportunities, didactics, and educational opportunities that fellows can choose to participate in while training at Casey Eye Institute:

Funding your fellowship

Candidates must secure their own funding for living expenses and fees. There are many funding sources and fellowship grants for domestic candidates. Individuals interested in applying for these funding opportunities should contact us by Aug. 15 of the year prior to anticipated start in order to meet most deadlines. 

International candidates are also encouraged to apply, but must secure their own funding prior to acceptance. Sponsoring institutions must provide funds prior to commencement of the fellowship opportunities.

Outside funding opportunities

Here is a list of funding opportunities to support a fellowship year:

  • Talal Aladduljalil, M.D. - Alabduljalil Eye Clinic, Kuwait City, Kuwait
  • Abdullah Al-Qahtani, M.D. - Assistant Professor and Ophthalmology Consultant in Dr Soliman Fakeeh Medical Center, Saudi Arabia
  • La-ongsri Atchaneeyasakul, M.D. - Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Daniel Chao, M.D., Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, UCSD Shiley Eye Institute La Jolla, CA
  • Albert O. Edwards, M.D., Ph.D. - Oregon Retina, LLP, Eugene, OR 
  • Peter J. Francis, M.D., P.h.D. - Oregon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Sherwood, OR 
  • Kevin Gregory-Evans, M.D., Ph.D. - University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC 
  • Florin Grigorian, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, UAMS
  • Nieraj Jain, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Vitreoretinal Surgery and Diseases, Emory Eye Center
  • Cristy Ku, M.D., Ph.D. - Surgical Fellowship UC Davis
  • Mariana Matioli da Palma, M.D. - Clinical Ophthalmologist, Instituto de Genetica Ocular, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Michel Michaelides, M.D., FACS - Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England 
  • Kean T. Oh, M.D. - Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C., Novi, MI 
  • Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D. - Kenneth C. Swan Endowed Professor of Ophthalmology, Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Chief, Paul H. Casey Ophthalmic Genetics Division, Casey Eye Institute, OHSU
  • Liliya Shevchenko Sutherland, D.O. - Ophthalmologist, Retina Specialists of Michigan
  • Mauricio Vargas, M.D., Ph.D. - Access Eye Institute, Oxnard, CA
  • Huber Vasconcelos, M.D. - Vitreoretinal specialist, Head of Ocular Genetics and Electrophysiology, Retina Clinic, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Terry Wood, M.D.        
  • Paul Yang, M.D., Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Genetics and Uveitis, Casey Eye Institute, OHSU

Resources at OHSU

Learn more about resources available at OHSU for students and trainees:

View of Willamette River and bridge across Portland

Living in Portland and Oregon

Find out what our state has to offer.