NEW FOR 2025-2026

University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology, University Station, East Eye Cinic, Deming Way Eye Clinic 

This is a medical optometry practice that is a part of an optometry/ophthalmology team in a hospital-based setting. Students will have access to the latest in technology, such as spectral domain OCT, digital retinal cameras, Pentacam for corneal topography and Epic (Health-Link) online medical records systems. Externs will also have the ability to spend additional time in a wide variety of clinics, such as pediatrics, glaucoma, cornea/contact lens, and low vision. Because the University of Wisconsin has a network of outreach and specialty clinics, students will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of experienced optometrists. At UW Eye clinics, students will experience a wide variety of encounters including acute trauma and co-managing with family practice and rheumatology. 

The student's educational experience is our primary concern. UW Health is committed to integrating students into the process of patient diagnosis and management in a medical-based setting. Each student will be assigned their own schedule and will be required to develop an assessment and plan for each patient. 

Expectations: Students will be expected to:

Act professionally at all times 

Dress in appropriate clinic attire 

Demonstrate a desire to learn at all times 

Work with clinic staff and doctors in a respectful manner 

Actively participate in required conferences and grand rounds

Arrive to clinic on time and stay until all work has been completed.

Inform supervisors at least 6 weeks in advance of any planned absences

Objectives:  The main objective for completing an externship at DOVS is to expose students to medical optometry as part of an optometry/ ophthalmology team in a hospital-based setting. Our more specific education objectives for students are listed below:

1. Enhance each extern's history taking skills

2. Help externs fine-tune skills related to an ophthalmic examination

3. Help externs enhance skills related to interpretation of visual field and OCT testing

4. Reinforce each extern's knowledge of the diagnosis and management of ocular pathology

5. Expose externs to conferences, presentations, and academic activities.

6. Help externs to develop professionalism in a clinic-based setting

7. Help externs to develop interpersonal communication skills