EyeCare Partners, LLC announced the launch of the new Advanced Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fellowship (AFOC) for new ophthalmologists.
Refresh me on the company.
The St. Louis, Missouri-based EyeCare Partners (ECP) is a leading provider of clinically-integrated eyecare, with a national network of over 300 ophthalmologists, 700 optometrists, and 700+ eye care practitioner-affiliated practice locations across 30 markets in 18 states.
Now what’s this new fellowship?
Developed by the ECP Innovation Center, the AFOC is a one-year program intended to offer comprehensive training to three ophthalmology residency graduates in the latest field advancements: diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, surgical procedures, and clinical research.
Go on …
According to ECP, three industry-leading ophthalmologists are sponsoring the program and will provide hands-on training and mentorship to the AFOC fellows.
The sponsors include:
- John Sheppard, MD, MMSc
- Founder of Virginia Eye Consultants; Professor of Ophthalmology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology; Research Director of the Residency Program, clinical director of the Thomas R. Lee for Ocular Pharmacology at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS).
- Edward Meier, MD
- Cincinnati Eye Institute; Director of Apex Eye Clinical Research in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Timothy Page, MD
- Oakland Ophthalmic Surgery in Birmingham, Michigan.
Where are these fellowships being offered?
Three locations, aligned with the three mentors:
Michigan: Oakland Ophthalmic Surgery (Tim Page, MD)Ohio: Cincinnati Eye Institute (Ed Meier, MD)Virginia: Virginia Eye Consultants (John Sheppard, MD, MMSc)
Click here to learn more about each fellowship.
What else?
All fellows will be granted access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; each location will offer the opportunity to learn advanced medical approaches and surgical skills not usually taught in standard residency programs.
Additionally, according to ECP, following a successful completion of the program, fellows will be offered opportunities to join ECP practices and participate in a career-long mentorship program.
See here for more details (scroll to the bottom) about ECP’s Third Pathway, which enables ophthalmologists to teach while building their practice as well as participate in clinical trials.
Who qualifies?
Applications are open to third-year ophthalmology residents expecting to graduate from a U.S.-based residency in 2024. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or all three fellowships.
Where do I go to apply?
Apply here.
Application deadline for 2024 fellows is August 31, 2023.
How soon will I know if I’m accepted?
Interviews will begin in September 2023. Exemplary candidates will be notified of early decision acceptances before December 1, 2023.
Start date?
According to ECP, the program will launch in Fall 2024.