The UAMS Ophthalmology Training Program is based on a staggered start system in which one new resident begins the program every four months and completes a total of nine four-month rotations. The first year provides an opportunity for residents to improve clinical skills and assume increasing levels of responsibility in the clinic setting, as well as in surgery. First year residents learn fundamentals of refraction and basic eye examination. Weekly tutorial sessions for the first year resident are conducted with a member of the faculty. First year residents have graduated patient care responsibilities during their year with rotations at UAMS Medical Center and the VA Medical Center.
Surgical responsibilities increase as they advance through their residency.
The resident has clinical rotations at UAMS Medical Center , the VA Medical Center and Arkansas Children's Hospital. The resident assumes maximum responsibility for patient care during the final year of residency training. Neighborhood parks, churches, schools and a campus-operated child care center surround the medical sciences complex. Little Rock's downtown business district and riverfront are located just two miles from the campus. Large shopping malls and a multitude of retailers can be found in the area.