JHU Ophthalmology Interest Group
About the JHU Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)
The Ophthalmology Interest Group exposes students at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to the clinical, technical, and research aspects of ophthalmology throughout their preclinical and clinical education. We host events where students can network with residents and faculty, practice various technical skills ranging from corneal suturing to slit lamp fundamentals, and learn about the residency match process from current 4th-year students. We also provide a variety of ophthalmology research opportunities that enable students to become competitive residency applicants. Because there is not enough time in either the preclinical or clinical years to study ophthalmology in-depth, the Ophthalmology Interest Group strives to provide this exposure through diverse event programming
Current JHU OIG Leadership
Co-Presidents
Patrick Nnoromele (pnnorom1@jh.edu)
Ava Niknahad (aniknah1@jh.edu)
Annabelle Pan (apan10@jh.edu)
Faculty Mentor: Thomas V Johnson, MD, PhD
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, December 13: Late Night Slit Lamp Workshop
- Location: AMEB & Wilmer Glaucoma Eye Clinic
- Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Description: The OIG is hosting the return of the slit lamp workshop. Students will have the opportunity to work in small groups with a Hopkins ophthalmology resident or optometrist to learn the fundamentals of an eye exam and how to use a slit lamp in the Wilmer Glaucoma Clinic. Space is limited, and an email to RSVP will be sent out later in the month. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, January 24th: Diversity in Ophthalmology Luncheon
- Location: AMEB TBD
- Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
- Description: The OIG will be hosting a Q&A panel with Wilmer faculty members about their experiences navigating a career in ophthalmology as an underrepresented minority. Hot meals will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, February 15th: Slit Lamp Workshop + Clinical Case Reviews
- Location: AMEB & Wilmer Glaucoma Eye Clinic
- Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Description: The OIG is hosting the return of the slit lamp workshop. Students will have the opportunity to work in small groups with a Hopkins ophthalmology resident or optometrist to learn the fundamentals of an eye exam and how to use a slit lamp in the Wilmer Glaucoma Clinic. Additionally, participants will engage in a team-based workshop that reviews various ophthalmology-oriented clinical vignettes. Space is limited, and an email to RSVP will be sent out in January 2024. Hot meals will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, February 28th: Ophthalmology Match Panel
- Location: AMEB TBD
- Time: 12:00 pm am to 1:00 pm
- Description: The OIG will be hosting a Q&A panel with Hopkins M4 students who have been recently accepted into an ophthalmology residency program. Hot meals will be provided. Hope to see you there!
Research Opportunities
Please take note of the following abstract deadlines and prepare your materials for submission. All abstract deadlines below are for upcoming conferences in 2024. Good luck to everyone planning to submit! We are rooting for you!
American Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgery:
Deadline: October 9
https://annualmeeting.ascrs.org/for-speakers/ascrs-submissions
American Glaucoma Society:
Deadline: October 11
https://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/ags-events/annual-meeting/abstracts
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology:
Opens: October 16
Deadline: December 8
Scholarships
Minority Ophthalmology Mentorship Program:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology offers the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program to increase diversity in ophthalmology by helping Black, Hispanic, and Native American students become competitive residency applicants. Due to the generous donations from their partners and sponsors, the program is free. The early deadline to apply is January 31 (final deadline: February 15).
Who can apply?
- Current M1 students who are Black, Hispanic, and/or Native American (American Indian/Alaska, Native/Native, or Hawaiian) or two or more races when one or more are from the preceding racial and ethnic categories listed and who are in their first year in an LCME or COCA accredited U.S. allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) school during the 2023-24 academic year are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Longitudinal 1:1 mentorship from a distinguished faculty member in ophthalmology
- Financial support to attend the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology conference in November of each year
- Financial support for STEP 1 and STEP 2 study resources
- The opportunity to network with medical students from around the country who want to become the next leaders in ophthalmology
For more information, visit aao.org/mentoring.
Past Events
See below to get a sense of the sort of events that the JHU OIG has held in the past.
Tuesday, October 10: Joint Hopkins Ophthalmology Introductory Meeting
Description: The Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG), Hopkins Ophthalmology Virtual Curriculum (HOVC), and ViSION Program will host a one-hour joint introductory session explaining the purpose of their organizations and opportunities to get involved.
Wednesday, October 11: ViSION Introductory Meeting
Description: The ViSION Program will host an introductory session explaining the purpose of their organization and opportunities to get involved. All individuals interested in volunteering this year should attend the session. Snacks will be provided.
Monday, October 16: Hopkins Ophthalmology Virtual Curriculum Session
Description: The HOVC is excited to kick off the 2023-2024 season with a session about cornea/cataract/introduction to ophthalmology with Dr. Divya Srikumaran, Vice Chair of Education and former Residency Program Director at the Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins). Sign-up here https://www.tinyurl.com/joinHOVC.
Saturday, October 28: Community ViSION Screening – CASA
Description: ViSION will host its second screening of the month at CASA. Keep an eye on your email for the sign-up sheet. Slots go fast. Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend!
Wednesday, November 1: Ophthalmology Resident Meet and Greet
Description: The OIG is hosting an informal Q&A session for medical students to ask residents about their decision to pursue an ophthalmology residency, work-life balance, and general advice. Space is limited, and an email to RSVP will be sent out later in the month. Dinner will be provided.
Wednesday, November 1: ViSION Fundus/OCT Interpretation Workshop
Description: ViSION is hosting an educational workshop for fundus and OCT imaging with Dr. Thomas Johnson. Space is limited, and an email to RSVP will be sent out later in the month.
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