The expansion of our medical student and visiting resident programs continues New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai's long tradition of excellence in education and patient care, by providing training to doctors at all levels of their professional development.

For inquiries about any of the following programs, please contact our office. 

Medical Student Ophthalmology Elective

New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) offers a one-month elective to fourth year medical students throughout the United States. This popular and competitively sought after rotation allows participants hands-on experience in clinical ophthalmology through general clinics, sub-specialty clinics, and exposure to ophthalmic surgeries at NYEE.

The ophthalmology elective is geared toward students who are considering a career in ophthalmology. Core reading materials are supplied to each participant, and a vast array of audiovisual materials are available to supplement the lecture series. The students are encouraged to attend all lectures and conferences, and observe surgery in the operating room. In clinic, the students will have the opportunity to work-up selected patients under the supervision of residents and faculty.

Goals of this elective include learning ocular anatomy, taking an ophthalmic history, performing the basics of the eye exam, and understanding key ophthalmic disorders and diseases. There is immediate grading and feedback to maximize learning and allow the student to address any questions.

Visiting students are selected through Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) on a first-come-first-serve basis. Exceptions: Students from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai should review the Clinical Electives available through the Electives Catalog. 

Students from US accredited schools should visit the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai website for information on how to apply for electives at Mount Sinai.

Visiting Elective

For students interested in a visiting elective during the 2024-2025 academic year, our elective is scheduled to open on VSLO in Mid-April 2024. All elective applications for the months of August-November must be received by June 1, 2024. Additionally, please note, we do not offer the elective during the month of July.

In addition to the above four-week rotation for fourth-year medical students, a two-week elective is offered to third-year medical students ONLY from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

International Medical Student Ophthalmology Elective

NYEE offers a one-month international clinical elective (November-May) for select students from countries outside the United States. The program focuses on enhancing knowledge in general ophthalmology and ophthalmic subspecialties. Participants receive hands-on experience in clinical ophthalmology through general clinics, sub-specialty clinics, and exposure to ophthalmic surgeries at NYEE.

Core reading materials are supplied to each student and a vast array of audiovisual materials are available to supplement the lecture series. Participants are encouraged to attend all lectures and conferences, and observe surgery in the operating room. In clinic, the students will have the opportunity to work-up selected patients under the supervision of residents and faculty. Goals of this elective include learning ocular anatomy, taking an ophthalmic history, performing the basics of the eye exam, and understanding key ophthalmic disorders and diseases. There is immediate grading and feedback to maximize learning and allow the student to address any questions.

International Observership Program 

NYEE offers a one-month international clinical observership for select residents and physicians from countries outside the United States. The program focuses on enhancing knowledge in ophthalmic subspecialties, including cornea, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, pathology, pediatric ophthalmology, and retina. Participants in the observer program are able to observe the activities of our department, including clinics, surgery, scheduled conferences, and Grand Rounds. In addition observers have the opportunity to be involved in the extensive research program here at NYEE.

In order to participate in the international observership program, please visit the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai website for the application process and required documents.

You must complete the entire application and have it signed and sealed by your school and Dean of the Medical School. All supporting documents and health information must accompany the application. Application requests cannot be used as support for VISA applications.

You must be able to independently obtain a VISA to travel to the United States from your local US Department State Office.