Education @ JSEI
An Organized Research Unit of UCLA
Advancing Vision Science Through Innovative Research
Educational Excellence
The Jules Stein Eye Institute is committed to training the next generation of clinician-scientists, ophthalmologists, and vision researchers. Our educational programs are designed to foster innovation, clinical excellence, and scientific discovery in vision science and ophthalmology.
Our flagship educational programs include the unique EyeSTAR program that bridges research and clinical care, and the NIH-funded Vision Science Training Program (T32) supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. These programs, alongside our comprehensive residency and fellowship opportunities, make JSEI a premier institution for education in ophthalmology and vision science.
EyeSTAR Program
The Specialty Training and Advanced Research (EyeSTAR) program is a unique educational opportunity that combines clinical ophthalmic practice with basic science or ophthalmic genetic research. This distinctive 7-year curriculum is designed for physicians who are committed to academic careers in ophthalmology, blending basic science or genetics with clinical practice.
Trainees select their faculty mentors and laboratories or research groups from a wide range of participants throughout the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, the UCLA College of Letters and Science, the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and the independent Pardee RAND Graduate School.
"EyeSTAR graduates are trained to compete not just with clinical scientists but with top basic scientists from all institutions."
Program Highlights
- ✓7-year integrated curriculum
- ✓PhD or postdoctoral research
- ✓Full salary and benefits support
- ✓Model program recognized by NEI
NIH T32 Vision Science Training Program
The Vision Science Training Program (VSTP) has its home in the Stein Eye Institute and has been continuously active for more than 40 years. During this period, the VSTP has trained nearly 140 scientists, a large portion of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in vision science.
The Program covers the training of both predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and takes place in the laboratories of 17 faculty mentors. These vision scientists possess expertise in a wide range of disciplines and hold academic appointments in 11 departments at UCLA.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of vision research, the overall goal of the VSTP is to bring together faculty with a wide range of expertise (including anatomy, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, cell biology, and developmental biology) to provide interdisciplinary experimental and conceptual training to predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates seeking to develop careers in vision science.
Program Offerings
- ✓Fundamentals of Vision Research course
- ✓Weekly Vision Science Seminar Series
- ✓Vision Science Journal Club
- ✓Annual Vision Science Retreat
- ✓Grant writing workshops (F31, F32, K99/R00)
- ✓Translational Grand Rounds
Additional Educational Programs
Ophthalmology Residency
Our three-year ophthalmology residency program provides exceptional clinical and surgical training across all subspecialty areas. Residents gain experience at multiple clinical sites including UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
Medical Student Education
We offer elective rotations and research opportunities for medical students interested in ophthalmology. Students participate in clinical activities, observe surgeries, and engage in mentored research projects with faculty members.
Clinical Fellowships
Advanced subspecialty training is available in cornea and external ocular disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, orbital and ophthalmic plastic surgery, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, uveitis and inflammatory eye diseases, and vitreoretinal diseases and surgery.
International Fellowships
Our international fellowship program brings ophthalmologists from around the world to JSEI for specialized training and research opportunities. These programs foster global collaboration and the exchange of knowledge in vision science and ophthalmology.