The Cornea Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine is a one-year clinical program within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. The fellow works closely with dedicated faculty members on the cornea service at UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. This AUPO FCC-compliant program is designed to develop advanced expertise in the diagnosis and management of common and complex corneal and external diseases. This includes penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty, endothelial keratoplasty, and pterygium surgery. The fellow will gain experience managing infectious and inflammatory corneal diseases. Additional areas of focus include ocular surface disease including limbal stem cell and amniotic membrane transplantation, ocular surface tumors, and anterior segment reconstruction ensuring fellows develop expertise across the full spectrum of corneal care.
Throughout the year, the fellow gains progressive responsibility in surgical procedures consistent with their level of expertise. In addition to clinical and surgical training, the fellow plays an active role in teaching and supervising residents in the operating room and outpatient cornea clinics at Cooper Green Mercy Health, The Lions Clinic at UAB Callahan Eye, and UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye. Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in either academic medicine or private practice.
Cornea Fellowship Application Information
Applications for the UAB Cornea Fellowship are due by September 1 of the year preceding the July 1 start date. The selected fellow will receive a faculty appointment as Clinical Instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Our fellows are paid at the PGY-5 level. Detailed information about stipends and benefits is available on the Graduate Education website. Applications should be submitted through the SF Match's Central Application Service (CAS).
For additional questions or assistance, please contact our departmental program manager:
Jennifer Spears, MBA
jenniferspears@uabmc.edu
(205) 996-8660