Advancing Vision Science Through Global Collaboration
The John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Global Vision Scholars & Education Program advances our standing as world leaders in patient care, teaching, and research through international collaboration.
Our goal is to train the next generation of eye care professionals and vision researchers, and to build reciprocal opportunities for our own trainees to learn and collaborate abroad. At WashU Medicine, knowledge and innovation move in all directions — uniting great minds across continents to strengthen the field of vision science.
Program overview
The Global Vision Scholars & Education Program (GVSEP) at WashU Medicine Ophthalmology is designed to foster international collaboration, education, and innovation in ophthalmology and vision science. Participants engage directly with world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge clinical environments, and pioneering research across subspecialties.
What you’ll experience
Clinical & surgical observation
Observe and learn within a leading U.S. ophthalmology training program, with access to diverse patient populations and subspecialty clinics.
Faculty collaboration
Work alongside world-renowned clinician-scientists in both clinical and research settings, with opportunities for mentorship and collaborative projects.
Cutting-edge research
Participate in active research across subspecialties — from retinal disease and glaucoma to cornea, neuro-ophthalmology, and ocular oncology.
Lasting academic partnerships
Build enduring professional and institutional relationships that extend well beyond your time in St. Louis.
Who should apply
Built for every stage of your career
Medical students
Medical students with an interest in ophthalmology seeking early exposure to subspecialty clinical environments and vision science research at a leading academic medical center.
Clinical trainees
Ophthalmology residents and fellows seeking structured clinical observership experience within a world-class U.S. training program.
Research trainees
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows pursuing collaborative research opportunities in vision science and related basic or translational fields.
Faculty
Clinician-scientists and researchers seeking collaboration, academic exchange, or observership opportunities with WashU Medicine Ophthalmology faculty.
Whether your focus is clinical practice, translational research, or academic institution-building, this program is structured to meet you where you are and elevate what you bring home.
Your path to WashU Medicine Ophthalmology
The program operates as a rolling admission experience, hosting a carefully selected cohort each year to ensure every participant receives a high-quality, individualized engagement — not a passive rotation, but a true academic partnership.
To apply:
- Identify your track — determine which pathway fits you. Eligibility, requirements, and application deadlines vary by track.
- Submit your application — complete the program application with the materials required for your track. See your track page for specific requirements.
- Application review — upon submission, our team will review your application and contact you with our decision. Additional information may be requested.
- Pre-arrival coordination — once accepted, our team will provide visa guidance and help coordinate lodging and additional pre-arrival logistics.
- Arrive & begin — join your program, meet the faculty you’ll be working with, and experience one of the nation’s top ophthalmology programs.
Ready to join a world-class program?
Apply today
We accept applications on a rolling basis and host a limited number of participants each year. We encourage early inquiry to ensure availability for your preferred start period.
Contact us
For additional information about our programs or questions about the application process, contact our team at DOVSGlobal@wustl.edu.
Rajendra S Apte, MD, PhD
Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Vice Chair of Innovation and International Affairs
- Email: apte@wustl.edu
- Retina
- Lab Website
- Research Profile
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Kevin Ko, MBA, MSHS
Executive Director of Business Affairs
- Phone: (314) 747 – 1326
- Email: kosung@wustl.edu
Emanuel Chon Sin, MS
Global Vision Scholars & Education Program Coordinator
- Email: chonsin@wustl.edu
About WashU Medicine
WashU Medicine is a global leader in academic medicine, including biomedical research, patient care and educational programs with 2,900 faculty. Its National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding portfolio is the second largest among U.S. medical schools and has grown 56% in the last seven years. Together with institutional investment, WashU Medicine commits well over $1 billion annually to basic and clinical research innovation and training. Its faculty practice is consistently within the top five in the country, with more than 1,900 faculty physicians practicing at 130 locations and who are also the medical staffs of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals of BJC HealthCare. WashU Medicine has a storied history in MD/PhD training, recently dedicated $100 million to scholarships and curriculum renewal for its medical students, and is home to top-notch training programs in every medical subspecialty as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and audiology and communications sciences.