On behalf of the glaucoma faculty at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, we welcome your interest in our Glaucoma Fellowship Program.
The Bascom Palmer Glaucoma Fellowship (Miami) is a one‑year, advanced clinical fellowship based in Miami, Florida. The program is offered through the San Francisco Match (SF Match ID #4238) and is fully certified by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Fellowship Compliance Committee (AUPO‑FCC). The program accepts four full‑time clinical fellows each year.
For more information on our Palm Beach Gardens Glaucoma Fellowship (SF Match ID #4239) please click here.
Structure
The Bascom Palmer Glaucoma Fellowship is a one‑year clinical training program designed to provide comprehensive exposure to medical, laser, and surgical management of glaucoma across adult and pediatric populations. Fellows work closely with full‑time glaucoma faculty in clinic and the operating room and gain the majority of their experience at Bascom Palmer Miami. Additional rotations occur at:
Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Bascom Palmer Plantation
Florida
Holtz Children’s Hospital, including operating room experience and NICU consultations
Fellows rotate through five 2.5‑month blocks, each paired with two to three attending physicians in both clinic and surgery. Two blocks provide focused exposure to pediatric glaucoma and related anterior segment conditions.
Each fellow participates in a dedicated fellows’ clinic on a weekly or biweekly basis. Fellows also rotate as the on‑duty glaucoma fellow, serving under faculty supervision as the consultant glaucoma specialist for the Institute and managing acute glaucoma emergencies.
While Bascom Palmer residents maintain primary responsibility in the Eye Emergency Department, glaucoma fellows participate in a structured call schedule, including supervisory responsibilities for the Emergency Department and primary call coverage for University of Miami Hospital inpatients.
Surgical Experience
Surgical training is a core strength of the Bascom Palmer Glaucoma Fellowship and consistently exceeds national benchmarks.
For the Glaucoma Fellowship Class of 2025, fellows performed an average of 665 procedures per fellow, including:
64 glaucoma drainage device (GDD) procedures
23 tube shunt revisions
21 trabeculectomies
8 trabeculectomy revisions
88 angle procedures, including GATT and MIGS
40 cyclodestructive procedures
375 cataract surgeries
Comparable surgical volumes have been recorded in prior fellowship classes.
Fellows also gain experience in a wide range of additional procedures, including intraocular lens exchange, secondary IOL implantation, pupiloplasty, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, choroidal drainage, pediatric examinations under anesthesia, and complex anterior segment surgery.
Fellows participate in the vast majority of procedures and serve as primary surgeon in volumes that significantly exceed AUPO‑reported national averages. A unique strength of the program is its robust training in pediatric glaucoma surgery, as well as extensive exposure to complex combined cases through close collaboration with the Cornea, Vitreoretinal, and Pediatric Ophthalmology services.
Academics and Research Opportunities
Fellows benefit from a comprehensive and highly regarded didactic curriculum that includes:
Weekly Grand Rounds
Weekly Glaucoma Journal Club
Morning lecture series
Board review sessions
Imaging conferences
Regular wet labs, with tissue provided through the in‑house Florida Lions Eye Bank
Fellows also participate in medical education conferences sponsored by Bascom Palmer and tailored to its global ophthalmology community.
Clinical research and scholarly activity are strongly encouraged and supported. The glaucoma service has a longstanding track record of excellence in both clinical and laboratory research. Fellows receive mentorship aligned with individual career goals and benefit from departmental research resources, including the support of a full‑time biostatistician.
Each fellow completes at least one research project, is encouraged to present at a major national meeting, and is expected to present at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Annual Research Symposium in June.
Eligibility for an unrestricted Florida medical license
Completion of an ACGME‑accredited U.S. ophthalmology residency
Successful completion of all USMLE steps
Must not have any visa requirements (U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
Application Information
Fellowship positions are filled though SF Match Program (www.sfmatch.org)
Deadline for receipt of application is September 1st.
Contact:
Yaimara Milian (Yami)
Manager, Fellowship Programs
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
900 N.W. 17th Street
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-326-6312
Fax: 305-326-6580
Email: yxs696@med.miami.edu
