Medical Students

• Ophthalmology Interest Group
• Ophthalmology Rotation Curriculum
• Ophthalmology Rotation Course Objectives & Goals
• Ophthalmology Schedule
• URiM: Ophthalmology DEI Initiatives

Medical Student Timeline

Download a more detailed Medical Student Timeline.

Elective Courses

• Ophthalmology Outpatient & Inpatient (401)
• Ophthalmology Specialty Rotation (403)
• Ophthalmology Research (401)

Research Opportunities

STAR program

(Student Training in Approaches to Research)

The department of ophthalmology offers research opportunities in many facets of ophthalmic research and welcomes participation from medical students. The STAR program is an integral aspect of the educational objectives of the department and is a valuable learning experience. Students have the option to participate in ongoing clinical or laboratory base research studies. However, incoming students are encouraged to identify a departmental research mentor and develop their own research interest in accordance with guidance from an established investigator.

Research mentors in the department available to discuss potential studies include the following:

• Evan Stubbs, PhD. Ophthalmology Research Director
  Evan.Stubbs@va.gov
• Bruce I. Gaynes, OD, PharmD. Clinical Research Program Director
  bgaynes@luc.edu
• Omer Iqbal, MD, Research Associate Professor
  oiqbal@luc.edu
• Ping Bu, MD, Research Associate Professor
  pbu@luc.edu
• Simon Kaja, PhD, Research Assistant Professor
  skaja@luc.edu

First year medical students interested in the STAR program are strongly encouraged to contact a research mentor no later than October 31 of the first school year. Deadline for the complete STAR application is December 15

Richard A. Perritt Student Summer Research Award

Every year, the department of Ophthalomology provides internal funding for (1) ophthalmic research project. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Zale Academic Scholarship Award

First-year students who were awarded with STAR scholar funding are eligible to apply for the Zale Academic Scholarship in Ophthalmology. 

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas STAMM Ophthamology Award

Every year, the department of Ophthalmology selects one fourth-year student for the generous Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Stamm Ophthalmology Award.