In conjunction with neuro-ophthalmology faculty members, you are responsible for evaluating patients who are directed to the neuro-ophthalmology service.

You will see patients with neuro-ophthalmologic diseases, including:

• Optic neuritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuromyelitis optica
• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• Giant cell arteritis
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• Pupillary abnormalities
• Diplopia
• Nystagmus

As a fellow, your role includes initial examination of the patient, documentation of pertinent findings, interpretation of imaging and diagnostic tests, and formulating a management plan. Neuro-ophthalmology faculty members provide ongoing feedback, mentorship, and support as they work with the fellows in the clinic.

Our case mix ranges from common diseases and presentations to rare diseases, which include unusual cases and second opinions from across the nation and globe.

Research training

Mayo Clinic has extensive research facilities and resources. Examples of studies undertaken include clinical research (retrospective and prospective studies), translational research, epidemiological research (which may utilize databases from the Rochester Epidemiology Project), and bench research.

During the fellowship, 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 the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), or the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS).

Learn more about ophthalmology research at Mayo Clinic.

Didactic training

You are expected to attend the Department of Ophthalmology lecture series, which includes:

• Ophthalmology Grand Rounds (weekly)
• Ophthalmology Case Conference (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 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.