Your browser is unsupported

We recommend using the latest version of IE11, Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

Fellowship Programs

Doctors use microscope in the lab

Overview Heading link

Acceptance criteria

Subspecialty Fellows must have completed an accredited residency training program and be eligible for medical licensure in Illinois. A permanent license is required.

Timeline

Fellowship appointments are normally from July through June, but the starting date may be negotiated with each preceptor. There are no deadlines for application; however, candidates are encouraged to apply one year before the anticipated starting date.

Application review

Fellows are selected by the preceptors in each subspecialty area. The Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology sponsors a fellowship matching program, with a match date for the most subspecialty fellowships in November.

Funding

All fellowship applicants are encouraged to apply for external funding, such as individual fellowship grants awarded through the National Institutes of Health, the Heed Foundation, Fight for Sight, Inc., Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., and other foundations. These granting agencies often have deadlines for application. Some of these foundations and agencies have special funding programs for minority applicants.

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences can provide salaries to clinical fellows on a limited basis, but salaried fellows must have no other employment. Visual Science Fellows may receive salary support from individual faculty members’ research grants. We will make every attempt to assist you in obtaining adequate funding.

The University of Illinois is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Fellowships Heading link

Pre-Residency Fellowships Heading link