The Neuro-Ophthalmology service at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, exclusively sees neuro-ophthalmic consults without a general neurology or ophthalmology component and includes a full range of on-site state-of-the-art diagnostics, including:

• Perimetry
• Optical coherence tomography
• 3 and 7T MRI
• PET
• Electrophysiology (VEP, EMG, including single fiber, ERG)
• Video nystagmography
• Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
• Fundus photography
• Fluorescein angiography

Throughout your training, you will also have exposure to all aspects of neurology, neurosurgery, and ophthalmology, including pediatric neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and glaucoma and retina. There is also an opportunity to work with the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology service.

Clinical training

During clinical training, you are responsible for evaluating patients who are directed to the neuro-ophthalmology service. This includes the initial examination of the patient, documentation of pertinent findings, interpretation of imaging and diagnostic tests, and formulating a management plan. You will work primarily with program co-directors Eric Eggenberger, D.O., and Misha Pless, M.D., who will provide you with ongoing feedback, mentorship, and support. 

You will see patients with the full spectrum of neuro-ophthalmologic conditions, including:

• Optic neuritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuromyelitis optica/MOG
• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• Giant cell arteritis
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• Pupillary abnormalities
• Diplopia
• Nystagmus
• Pituitary/sellar lesions
• Cranial nerve palsies
• CPE and other myopathies
• Myasthenia gravis
• CNS tumors

Case mix ranges from common diseases and presentations to rare diseases, which include unusual cases and second opinions from across the nation and globe. We enjoy a very close relationship with Neurology and Neurosurgery and, of course, Ophthalmology (where our offices reside). We participate in many multi-specialty evaluations of complex patients with in-house neuro-oncology, otolaryngology, radiation therapy, interventional radiology, and other services. 

Elective rotation

There is also an optional one-month rotation at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota. This elective rotation allows you the opportunity to work with Dr. John Chen, M.D., Ph.D. and his colleagues.

We also offer a similar opportunity, hosting the neuro-ophthalmology fellow from Rochester at our campus in Jacksonville for one month each year.

Research training

Mayo Clinic offers extensive resources and outstanding research facilities. Research opportunities include clinical research (retrospective and prospective studies), translational research, epidemiological research, and bench research.

As a fellow, you are expected and encouraged to participate in and complete one or more research projects related to neuro-ophthalmologic diseases. In some cases, laboratory experiments may be undertaken.

You are encouraged to present your research findings at a national meeting such as:

• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
• North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS)

Learn more about ophthalmology research at Mayo Clinic.

Didactic training

Throughout the fellowship, you are expected to attend the Department of Ophthalmology lecture series, which includes:

• Ophthalmology Grand Rounds (weekly)
• Neurosurgery rounds (weekly)
• Neurology Grand Rounds (weekly)
• Radiology Rounds (monthly)
• Mayo tri-site conference calls (monthly)

You will be asked to prepare one to two lectures during the neuro-ophthalmology portion of the yearly lecture series.

Teaching opportunities

You have the opportunity to teach students from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, visiting students from other medical schools, and both ophthalmology and neurology residents.

Evaluation

To ensure that you acquire adequate knowledge and develop the appropriate technical skills to meet program expectations, your performance is monitored carefully during the Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship. You are formally evaluated by supervising faculty members on a quarterly basis and meet with the program director to review these evaluations. In addition, you regularly evaluate the faculty to confirm that your educational needs are being met.