Cornea Pre-Residency Research Fellowship

• Must hold a medical degree (MBBS, MD, DO, or an equivalent qualification) from a recognized institution.
• Should have a strong interest in Ophthalmology, particularly corneal and ocular surface research.
• Must be willing to undertake full-time laboratory-based research for 1–2 years.
• Must obtain independent funding or have sufficient personal financial support, as the fellowship is unpaid.
• Preference is given to applicants funded by their home university or country who are expected to return to their home institution after completing the fellowship.

The Cornea Pre-Residency Research Fellowship is a 1–2-year, full-time research program offered by the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM), Chicago. Designed for medical graduates interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology, the fellowship provides intensive training in corneal and ocular surface research at the Corneal Neurobiology Laboratory. Fellows conduct laboratory-based research under faculty mentorship, develop independent research projects, contribute to scientific publications, and present their work at national and international conferences. The program also includes weekly clinical and surgical observerships in the Cornea Service, providing valuable exposure to patient care and advanced corneal procedures.