Retina and Uveitis Fellowship Program

Introduction:

The Department of Ophthalmology at the College of Medicine was established in 1973G (1394H). It contains all the subspecialties of ophthalmology including: the Cornea/External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Glaucoma, Retina-Vitreous, Uveitis, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics and Neuro-ophthalmology.

The Department runs the KSU Ophthalmology Fellowship, which is a 4-year residency program.  A total of 200 graduates from the program since its establishment.

The retina-vitreous unit deals with a variety of cases and at the present time have 3 consultants and 4 registrars.

Objectives:

1. To graduate vitreo-retinal specialists who are capable of diagnosing and managing common uveitic entities and medicalretinal disorders.
2. Manage all complications of diabetic retinopathy with laser and medical approaches, including intravitreal injections, examine preterm infants and screen them for retinopathy of prematurity and perform laser or chemical treatment for needed cases, diagnose and manage retinal vascular and choroidal diseases and posterior segment tumors, diagnose and council patient with retinal hereditary disorders and perform laser treatment for retinal breaks.
3. Work up and manage patients with uveitis with special emphasis on Behcet’s disease, VKH Syndrome, tuberculou uveitis, Fuch’s uveitis.
4. Have a good knowledge of immunosuppressice an immunomodulating drugs used for uveitis patient to prevent sight-threatening complications.
5. Write a research proposal and conduct a research project under supervision of the medical Retina-Uveitis group during the 2^nd year of the program.

Admission Requirements:

1. Meet the requirements for higher studies as requested by Deanship of Higher Education at King Saud University.
2. Possess a certificate of the King Saud University Fellowship or Saudi Board of Health Specialties or an equivalent and recognized degree.
3. Pass successfully the interview for the subspecialty.
4. Provide three letters of recommendation from consultants with whom the candidate has recently worked with for a minimum period of six months.
5. Provide a written permission from the sponsoring institution of the candidate allowing him to participate, on full time basis, for the entire period of the program.
6. Register at the Saudi Council for Health Specialties.
7. A medical report indicating
   •  Absence of transmitted disease, hepatitis, HIV…etc.
   • Absence of hand and fingers disabilities
8. Maximum slots per year: 2

Degree Requirements:

1. The period of program: 2 years- starting January or September.
2. Passing both written and oral exam at end of training.
3. Maximum period to end training successfully is 2 years.