Medical Student Program

The UC Davis Eye Center is dedicated to providing outstanding instruction in both clinical ophthalmology and research to medical students.

We offer medical students the opportunity to work with highly skilled clinicians and surgeons, who are at the forefront of groundbreaking work in Ophthalmology.

2024 J. William Kohl, M.D. Summer Research Scholarship

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at UC Davis is pleased to announce the J. William Kohl, M.D. Summer Research Scholarship for medical students. This opportunity provides a stipend to medical students undertaking mentored research in the vision sciences at UC Davis.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. Medical School
  • Interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology
  • Projects must take place for 8-12 weeks during summer 2024 (starting dates are flexible depending on student summer break dates)
  • Potential research projects will be listed. However, applicants may propose a research project which must be approved/agreed upon by UC Davis ophthalmology faculty member

NOTE: Previous Kohl Summer Scholars are welcome to apply again

2024 Kohl Summer Research Application (PDF)

URM Visiting Student Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at UC Davis is pleased to offer a scholarship to support visiting medical students from underrepresented minority backgrounds who are interested in participating in the 4-week clinical ophthalmology rotation at UC Davis Eye Center.  This scholarship is made possible through a generous fund established by the J. William Kohl, M.D. Medical Student Scholarship.
Click here for more information and the application

Our elective rotations for third and fourth year students are:

Introduction to Ophthalmology

A two-week rotation -- Course includes a foundation in ocular disease diagnosis, medical and surgical management relevant to the clinical practice of medicine in all specialties, including students who will enter the fields of family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.


Advanced Subspecialty Ophthalmology

A four-week rotation -- Prerequisite is that students should have met the surgical specialty clerkship requirements for fourth year students. This rotation provides more in-depth exposure to the practice of both comprehensive and subspecialties of ophthalmology in a tertiary care center, including neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, diseases of the cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, uveitis (inflammatory diseases of the eye), and retina. This rotation is open to all students and is also recommended for students planning to enter the field of ophthalmology.


Ophthalmology Research

Research in Ophthalmology -- Course duration will be determined. This rotation is 100% research, and must have the consent of the instructor. The rotation consists of individual research on selected topics in optics, visual psychophysics, clinical ophthalmology, or basic research relevant to ophthalmology. This rotation is open to all students and is also recommended to students planning to enter the field of ophthalmology.

Orientation begins at the beginning of every two weeks. To enroll please contact Ms. VaShon Elmer at vashon.elmer@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu.