Comprehensive
Uveitis Training
at every stage of your career.
About the Fellowship
The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation (OIUF), in partnership with the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), offers specialized fellowship training opportunities focused on the diagnosis, management, and research of ocular inflammatory diseases. The program provides immersive clinical experience, research opportunities, and mentorship for physicians and trainees seeking advanced expertise in ocular immunology and uveitis.
Fellowship Tracks
Clinical Fellowship
The OIUF Clinical Fellowship program is offered to those who have completed an Ophthalmology residency and have (or can obtain) an unlimited license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. This program is compliant with the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO FCC compliant). Each fellowship is a year-long position.
How to Apply:
- Please review OIUF’s Ocular Immunology Fellowship Overview (See below)
- Register and apply through the SF Ophthalmology Fellowship match in advance of the stated deadline. Go To:
Research Fellowship
Research and Pre-Residency Fellowship positions do not require a license to practice medicine. Fellows will see patients daily under the supervision of licensed clinical preceptors but may not independently perform medical procedures, surgeries, or other activities restricted to licensed physicians, in accordance with state law. An emphasis on clinical research will be incorporated into this program.
Information
How to Apply:
- Please review OIUF’s Ocular Immunology Fellowship Overview (See below)
- Please send an email indicating your interest to Scott Evans (sevans@mersi.com) with the following items: Cover letter, CV, Personal statement, Proof of educational accomplishments, Letters of recommendation.
- You will be notified whether MERSI/OIUF is extending an invitation to interview for a Fellowship position. Unless otherwise indicated, interviews will be conducted virtually. On site interviews or visits to the clinic can be arranged upon request if you wish.
Program Preceptors
- Dr. Stephen D. Anesi, MD, FACS
Co-President & Partner, MERSI
Board Member & Fellowship Preceptor, OIUF - Dr. Peter Y. Chang, MD, FACS
Co-President & Partner, MERSI
Board Member & Fellowship Preceptor, OIUF - Dr. Carl S. Wilkins, MD
Associate Physician, MERSI
Fellowship Preceptor, OIUF
Fellowship Objectives
Complications
Fellows receive extensive experience evaluating and treating complex ocular inflammatory diseases, including:
- Uveitis
- Scleritis
- Peripheral ulcerative keratitis
- Cicatricial pemphigoid and chronic cicatrizing conjunctivitis
- Retinal vasculitis
- Orbital inflammation
- Cystoid macular edema
- Infectious and autoimmune ocular inflammatory disorders
Conditions
Fellows also gain experience managing common ophthalmic conditions complicated by ocular inflammatory disease, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye disease
- Retinal disease
- Medical and surgical retina conditions
Clinical Skills
Fellows will gain proficiency in:
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Immunomodulatory Therapy (IMT)
Fellows receive longitudinal experience with the safe use and monitoring of immunomodulatory therapies, including cytotoxic agents and biologic medications.
Training emphasizes:
- Appropriate patient selection
- Treatment monitoring
- Recognition of medication-related complications
- Management of adverse effects
- Coordination of systemic care for patients receiving immunotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
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Clinical fellowship applicants must:
- Have completed an ophthalmology residency program
- Be eligible for or possess an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Be committed to advanced training in ocular inflammatory disease
Internationally trained applicants may apply; however, the MERSI/OIUF Fellowship Program cannot sponsor visas.
International applicants are responsible for arranging:
- Appropriate visa status
- Any required Massachusetts medical licensing requirements
- Authorization to participate in fellowship activities
Applicants must complete these requirements independently before applying when applicable.
OIUF/MERSI offers several fellowship pathways:
Clinical Fellowship
A one-year, AUPO FCC-compliant clinical fellowship designed for ophthalmologists who have completed ophthalmology residency training and are eligible for an unrestricted Massachusetts medical license.
Research Fellowship
A research-focused fellowship emphasizing clinical research in ocular inflammatory disease. This position does not require a medical license.
Pre-Residency Research Fellowship
A fellowship opportunity for individuals seeking advanced exposure to ocular immunology and clinical research before ophthalmology residency training.
Applicants should review current fellowship timelines and deadlines through the appropriate application pathway.
Clinical Fellowship applicants should follow SF Match deadlines. Research Fellowship applicants may contact OIUF/MERSI directly regarding available positions.
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Clinical training takes place at MERSI in Waltham, Massachusetts. MERSI is a comprehensive outpatient ophthalmology center providing tertiary care for patients with ocular inflammatory diseases and a broad range of ophthalmic conditions, including dry eye disease, cataracts, glaucoma, and medical and surgical retinal disorders
MERSI includes:
- Comprehensive ophthalmology clinic
- Blood laboratory
- Pathology laboratory
- Infusion suite
- Minor procedure rooms
- Laser rooms
- Adjacent outpatient surgery center
The fellowship uses a case-based teaching approach.
Typically:
- The fellow initially evaluates the patient independently.
- The fellow presents the case, including history, examination findings, differential diagnosis, and proposed management.
- The attending physician and fellow discuss diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Clinical encounters serve as the primary foundation for learning, supplemented by directed reading, lectures, and case discussions.
MERSI operates:
- Monday through Friday
- One Saturday clinic per month
Clinical responsibilities are supplemented by:
- Faculty lectures
- Guest speaker sessions
- Fellow presentations
- Laboratory meetings
- Research discussions
Research is an important component of the OIUF fellowship experience. Fellows are encouraged to develop, lead, and submit their own research projects for presentation and publication.
Research opportunities may include:
- Clinical research projects
- Case reports and case series
- Outcomes research
- Literature reviews
- Collaborative projects with faculty mentors
Fellows are strongly encouraged to present interesting cases and research findings at scientific meetings and submit manuscripts for publication.
The program emphasizes that careful analysis of clinical cases, literature review, and scientific communication are essential components of becoming a better physician.
The program emphasizes:
- Clinical excellence
- Scientific curiosity
- Integrity
- Compassionate patient care
- Personal and professional growth
Fellows are expected to demonstrate dedication, honesty, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to their patients and colleagues.
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The program offers:
- High-volume exposure to complex ocular inflammatory disease
- Direct mentorship from experienced ocular immunology specialists
- Longitudinal patient care experience
- Integration of clinical medicine and research
- Exposure to multidisciplinary management of autoimmune and inflammatory disease
No. The MERSI/OIUF Fellowship Program is an independent fellowship program and is not affiliated with a hospital or university.
The fellowship is designed for individuals who seek advanced expertise in:
- Ocular immunology
- Uveitis management
- Complex inflammatory eye disease
- Clinical research
- Academic or tertiary ophthalmology practice
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For additional information regarding the OIUF/MERSI Ocular Immunology Fellowship Program, please contact:
Scott Evans
Email: sevans@mersi.com
Thank You
We appreciate your interest in an OIUF Fellowship. We look forward to receiving your application and will be in touch shortly. If you have additional questions, please contact us.