Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship Program

Program Description

Children's Hospital Los Angeles, in association with the department of ophthalmology at the University of Southern California (USC), has established a one-year fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.  Our fellowship has been approved by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS).  The fellowship also offers an optional second year, however only one new fellow is accepted each year. The fellowship is designed to provide an in-depth experience in treating a broad range of medical and surgical problems in strabismus and children’s eye diseases including:  amblyopia and strabismus, pediatric neuro-ophthalmology, retinoblastoma and other pediatric ocular tumors, pediatric cataracts, pediatric glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, and pediatric plastics and lacrimal surgery. 

The fellowship is also designed to provide a broad research experience in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.  The fellow will work with a number of clinical science faculty who have extensive experience in state-of-the-art techniques such as adjustable sutures, laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity, and retinoblastoma.  The fellowship is designed to adequately prepare the fellow for an academic career in pediatric ophthalmology.  Fellows are involved in approximately 200 cases during their time with us. 

Fellows are especially expected to participate in the more complicated surgical cases including but not limited to cyclovertical muscle procedures, muscle palsies, lost muscles, reoperations, intraocular surgery, and lacrimal procedures.  In addition, there is opportunity for the fellow to spend time carrying out clinical research, which is encouraged.

The fellowship is a full-time commitment.  Fellows are appointed to the staff of the USC department of ophthalmology as physician fellows.  A stipend is provided.  The fellow divides his/her time between the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, with the majority of time spent at Childrens Hospital.  Fellowship applicants must have completed an accredited residency in ophthalmology, and they must be Board eligible in ophthalmology.

A California medical license is required in order to begin the fellowship, and it may be possible for you to apply for a California medical license online.  To receive more information about the requirements necessary for obtaining a California medical license contact the Medical Board of California using the information provided below. 

International Prospective Fellows
Preference is given to applicants who are committed to a career in academic medicine and can furnish proof of an academic appointment in their country following completion of the fellowship.  Fellows from foreign countries must satisfy regulations required by the Medical Board of California.
The items listed below must be presented prior to starting the fellowship:

• Copy of a current ECFMG Certificate
• Copy of USMLE scores for Steps 1, 2, and 3 (or Components I and II FLEX Scores or NBME scores for Parts I and II)
• Copy of your Medical Board of California (MBC) Training Authorization Letter. 

To Apply

Please refer to the SFMatch website to register for the match and read about the new process for applying to Ophthalmology Fellowship training.  Once registered, you can view our program listing on the SFMatch directory website for all required documents. 

Contact Information