The Bascom Palmer International Cornea and Ocular Surface Fellowship is a one‑year, advanced clinical training program designed for international ophthalmologists seeking comprehensive experience in cornea, ocular surface, and anterior segment surgery. Fellows gain the majority of their clinical and surgical experience at Bascom Palmer Miami on the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Miami Medical Campus, with additional opportunities to work alongside faculty at nearby Bascom Palmer satellite locations.
Clinical Experience
The fellow works closely with members of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Service, averaging four clinic days per week and one full day in the operating room. In addition to subspecialty clinics, the international fellow plays an active role in the care of patients with corneal emergencies through the Bascom Palmer Emergency Department and the Cornea On‑Call Fellows Clinic, providing broad exposure to acute and complex pathology.Surgical Experience
Each year, the Bascom Palmer Cornea Service performs a high volume of advanced surgical procedures, including:
- More than 500 corneal transplants (penetrating, lamellar, and endothelial)
- 300+ keratoprosthesis procedures
- 300 ocular surface surgeries, including pterygium excision, tumor excision, surface reconstruction, and limbal stem cell transplantation
- 500 refractive surgeries (LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and implantable collamer lens)
- 150 corneal cross‑linking procedures
- Nearly 4,000 cataract surgeries, including complex and tertiary‑referral cases
Fellows participate in the vast majority of these procedures and serve as primary surgeon in volumes exceeding AUPO‑reported national averages. Surgical training emphasizes penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty, ocular surface reconstruction, and keratoprosthesis surgery.
Academic Opportunities
Clinical research and scholarly activity are strongly encouraged and fully supported. Each fellow is expected to develop a research project for presentation at the Bascom Palmer Research Symposium held each spring.
Fellows benefit from a robust didactic curriculum that includes:
- Weekly Grand Rounds
- A dedicated weekly Cornea Conference featuring case presentations, journal clubs, and interactive discussion
- Medication Education Conferences sponsored by Bascom Palmer and tailored to an international ophthalmology audience
Fellows are encouraged to attend major national and international meetings and receive travel funding for domestic meetings at which they present a paper or poster.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to the start of the fellowship:
- Valid Florida State Medical License
- ECFMG certification (for J‑1 visa applicants)
- Completion of all three parts of the USMLE
- A minimum of two years of postgraduate training in the United States under direct physician supervision
Application Information
Deadline for receipt of application is September 1st.
All application materials must be submitted to Ms. Yaimara Milian via email at yxs696@med.miami.edu.
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