Ocular Genetics, Retinal Dystrophies and Electrophysiology Fellowship

Supervisors 

• Dr. Elise Héon, Director, Ocular Genetics Fellowships Program
• Dr. Ajoy Vincent, Director, Visual Electrophysiology Unit

Contact Information
Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue, Burton Wing, M158
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8
Email: elise.heon@sickkids.ca; ajoy.vincent@sickkids.ca

Fellowship Coordinator 
Tel: 416-813-8942
Fax: 416-813-8266
Email: ophthalmology.education@sickkids.ca

Location
The Hospital for Sick Children

Fellowship Objectives

1. To understand the concepts and implications of heredity in relation to inherited eye disorders
2. Acquire the knowledge to develop an ocular genetics practice and manage various forms of inherited retinal dystrophies
3. Learn the significance of genotype phenotype correlation in inherited eye disorders in diagnosis and interpretation of the genetic result
4. Learn to interpret genetic result of ocular genetic disorders and electrophysiological tests in the context of clinical diagnosis and to learn of genotype phenotype correlation in electrophysiology
5. Learn to disclose difficult and debilitating diagnosis to children and families of inherited eye disorders
6. Understand the basic principles and applications of traditional and newer genetic testing modalities in inherited eye disorders; such as mutational analysis, linkage analysis and analysis of whole exome/genome data
7. To understand and to be able to use sophisticated clinical outcome measures in management of inherited eye disorders and clinical trials
8. Understand the strength and limitation of the different genetic analysis approaches

General Description

This training experience is an intense and active fellowship set in the largest pediatric center in North America for clinical care and research. The fellowship is in conjunction with the Residency and Fellowship Training Program of the University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology. The Fellowship is unique and characterized by specialized exposure to many ocular genetic disorders and electrophysiological tests.

Clinical Duties

One or two fellows will be trained in a particular year depending on funding. Potential fellows are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. The fellowship may not be offered every year based on funding. The fellow will divide his/her time between clinics, electrophysiology, operating room, consultation service, and research. The fellow is expected to be involved in all aspects of patient care, to collaborate with other fellows and residents. The volume and complexity of the patient population will provide extensive experience in all aspects of ocular genetic disorders.

Research

Approximately 30% of the fellow's time will be protected for research (3 half day sessions per week). The fellow will be expected to conduct and complete an original research throughout the fellowship year. The results of these studies are expected to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, the fellow will be expected to present the results of the research project at the annual Ophthalmology Research Day. The trainee will be expected to attend and present their research work at national or international meetings. The completion of a research project will be a requirement for obtaining the fellowship certificate from the University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Teaching

The fellow is expected to attend and participate in the regular teaching sessions given by Drs. Heon and Vincent to ophthalmology residents and paediatric ophthalmology fellows. The fellow is also expected to contribute regularly to the teaching program, including giving formal lectures/seminars and grand rounds presentations to residents, fellows, and staff.

Vacation

3 weeks of vacation by pre-arrangement, which includes 1 week attributed to Christmas/New Year holiday or March Break.

Conference

Up to two weeks of conference time may be taken upon approval by the Supervisors. The trainee will be encouraged to attend COS annual meeting. Expenses will be reimbursed if the fellow gives a paper or poster presentation at the conference.

Evaluation

The fellow will be evaluated every four months. In addition, the fellow will be asked to evaluate the fellowship experience. A university and departmental certificate attesting to the completion of the fellowship will be presented at the end of the period.

Duration

One Year

Salary

As of January 2025 the fellow salary will be $78,190.61 CAD including modified benefits which is mandated by the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at The Hospital for Sick Children. Candidates are encouraged to secure their own funding however, funding may be available through application to the departmental fellowship committee at SickKids Hospital.

Housing

Housing may be available in the residence at the Hospital for Sick Children at the fellow’s cost. The fellow must apply directly to the residence, if this option is desired.

Application Process

Applications are available through the above contacts. Fellowship normally runs from July 1 to June 30. A personal interview is required.

License Requirements

Foreign applicants may apply. The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons will generally grant a full clinical educational license to applicants with recognized specialty certification in their home country. Those applicants whose medical school was not taught in English will now no longer be required to take TOEFL and TSE examination. However, all medical trainees at the University of Toronto from non-Canadian or US programs are subject to a 4-12 week “Pre Entry Assessment Program” (PEAP) as required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).