The teaching of ophthalmology is interdisciplinary and takes place throughout the medical school curriculum. Faculty teach ophthalmology technique and the art of eye examination during introduction to patient care courses in the first year. An introduction to general ophthalmology also is provided to second-year students. During this four-week elective, students attend lectures and observe surgeries.
Research is a major thrust of the department, encompassing clinical and basic sciences.
The second floor of the Mason Eye Institute at University Hospital and Clinics is devoted to research. Students help ophthalmology residents diagnose and care for patients. About 1,700 patients a month are treated in the clinic. Ophthalmologists treat patients with refractive disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, diseases of the retina and cornea, neuro-ophthalmologic disorders, ocullo plastic problems and children's eye diseases. An argon-krypton laser is used to repair complications caused by diabetes and other retinal disorders.