The Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology

We are excited to share that the 2024 Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology will be held in person. As in previous years, the course will be taught by an international faculty of more than 80 clinicians and scientists who are experts in their respective fields within vision science and ophthalmology. In addition to over 100 hours of lecture, the course includes a two-day orbital dissection, ocular anatomy and histology laboratories, an oculoplastics workshop for fillers and facial rejuvenation, two days of instruction in retinoscopy and refraction, a hands-on imaging workshop including ultrasound, Pentacam and keratography, and a Phaco wet-lab.

Now in its 83rd year, the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at the Columbia University Department of Ophthalmology has been offering an annual ophthalmology basic science course since 1941. While the focus of the course is resident training, it has also proven useful for the visual sciences community. Coursework examines the fundamentals of vision and emphasizes how these basic principles relate to patient care. The curriculum is developed by a committee of active scientists, practicing clinicians and the chief academic resident, and is updated annually to include the most recent scientific advances as well as any controversial developments in the field. It is also continuously revised in response to feedback from previous course evaluations. The background reading text for the course is The Basic and Clinical Science Course from The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco, CA. 

Course Dates

January 8th, 2024 - February 2nd, 2024 (In-Person)

2024 Course Schedule

Registration Fees

Registration CLOSED

Regular Registration: $2,550.00

Housing Information 

Contact Information

If you have questions or need additional information about the ophthalmology basic science course, please contact:

Patricia Galvin
Program Manager
Email: pag2109@cumc.columbia.edu

Suzanne Daly, RN
Assistant Program Manager
Email: sd2798@cumc.columbia.edu