Opportunities for Students
Students in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program enjoy many avenues to explore ophthalmology and become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants.
Students selected for participation are given the opportunity to:
- Connect with enthusiastic ophthalmologist mentors who support students’ academic and career development
- Explore the field of ophthalmology and gain hands-on experience with ophthalmic technology
- Learn how ophthalmologists positively impact community health by preventing vision loss from diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma
- Discover why ophthalmologists enjoy rewarding work and report high career satisfaction
- See how ophthalmologists are passionate about protecting sight and empowering lives
Student Responsibilities
Students selected for participation in the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program are responsible for:
- Attending Student Engagement Weekend, October 12 and 13, 2019 in San Francisco
- Communicating with their mentors by phone, email or in-person at least three or four times each year, more frequently when needed
- Keeping their mentors updated on important issues, concerns, decisions, etc.
- Responding to all program surveys and requests for information in a timely manner
Student Engagement Weekend
The Class of 2019 will attend Student Engagement Weekend on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13 in San Francisco, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program provides no financial support, and students are encouraged to seek funding through their school’s Diversity Office, Office of Student Affairs or Department of Ophthalmology. Depending on the student’s location, expenses to attend Student Engagement Weekend are estimated to be $1000 or less and include:
- Travel to San Francisco
- Lodging for at least two nights (Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12)
- Incidental travel expenses (ground transportation, meals, etc.)
The program provides:
- Free registration for AAO 2019, the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in San Francisco (October 12 - 15)
- Breakfast and lunch on October 12 and breakfast on October 13
- Program materials
Who Should Apply
Underrepresented minorities in medicine include those who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, or Native American (American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian). The program is seeking medical students entering their first or second year as well as college undergraduates entering their senior year (as of October 1, 2019).
Dates and Deadlines
- June 15, 2019: Student application due
- July 15, 2019: Student acceptance notifications sent
- October 12 and 13, 2019: Student Engagement Weekend at AAO 2019 (San Francisco, CA)
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact mentoring@aao.org.