Opportunities for OSU Medical Students
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences actively participates in the education of medical students. In addition to daily interactions, the department provides the following didactic lectures:
- Ten one-hour lectures to first-year medical students about the eye and visual system and associated diseases (part of the Integrated Pathway Med 1 - Neuroscience)
- Two-hour practical session learning how to use the direct ophthalmoscope (part of the Integrated Pathway Med 1 – Neuroscience)
- Two-hour lecture in Ambulatory Care Clerkship to third-year medical students about the approach to the eye exam for every medical practitioner (Ground School of UPWP Ring)
The department offers the below courses to both third-year and fourth-year medical students.
Third-year medical students
- Ophthalmology Selective (during Ambulatory Care Clerkship)
Fourth-year medical students
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Advanced Retina Elective
The department offers opportunities for students to participate in research.
Applications are reviewed in alignment with the following deadlines:
- February 1, 2026 – Regular deadline
Decisions will be sent to students by March 31st, 2026
- June 1, 2026 – Regular deadline
Decisions will be sent to students by July 31st, 2026
- November 1, 2026 – Early deadline *recommended for students applying for the Medical Student Research Scholarship (MDSR)
Decisions will be sent to students by January 5, 2027
Initiatives for OSU Medical Students
- ARVO - Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- ASCRS - American Society Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- ASOPRS- American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring (MOM)
- Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Program
- VBS - Vit Buckle Society, Fostering Careers for Underrepresented Stars (FOCUS)
- WIO - Women in Ophthalmology
- WIR - Women in Retina, Mentoring Program
Contact
Medical Student Coordinator
Katie Woodrow, COA
Ohio State Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Katie.Woodrow@osumc.edu
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Eye and Ear Institute
915 Olentangy River Road, Suite 5000
Columbus, OH 43212