Fellowship Program

We offer exposure to a wide array of vitreoretinal diseases, including complex diabetic tractional detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and pediatric vitreoretinal surgery. The pediatric retina component is a major aspect of our fellowship and features management of Stickler disease, ROP and other pediatric retinal vascular diseases including persistent fetal vasculature, Coats disease, FEVR, and Norrie disease.

Fellows will be trained in management of ‘bread and butter’ medical retinal diseases and also less common conditions such as inherited diseases, posterior segment inflammatory diseases, and posterior segment tumors, including melanoma and retinoblastoma. We maintain a strong interest in teaching, research, and publications. The fellow will be expected to contribute to advancement of the field of retinal diseases through publication of clinical research projects.

Our objective is for the fellow to develop careful observation, critical analysis and creative thinking about retinal disease with a special emphasis on surgical intervention. The fellow is expected to understand the power and limitations of each procedure and then learn to evaluate the range of surgical options in order to select the best suited to the pathology. During the case, continued careful observation and attention is required to reach the goal with optimal efficiency and minimal complications.

Many of the physicians at Retina Consultants have experience training fellows at academic institutions in Chicago. Dr. Shapiro was fellowship director at the University of Illinois at Chicago for many years. Dr. Blair taught residents and fellows while full time faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago as well. He currently teaches pediatric retina as adjunct faculty at the University of Chicago. Dr. Blair and Dr. Galasso both won the Golden Apple award for resident teaching while fellows at the University of Illinois.

We believe that we offer an outstanding opportunity to learn Vitreoretinal surgery and welcome your application!