A fellowship is considered to be a continuous period of minimum 1 year, of clinical training and/or research focused on glaucoma. It encompasses the intensive training and development of advanced skills in glaucoma care based upon the EGS syllabus as well as active and reflective learning through reading and constant updating of theoretical and clinical knowledge. It also allows opportunities to gain insight into the professional and administrative leadership of a glaucoma service as well as health services research and training for leading a sustainable glaucoma unit. This training period is accomplished in an EGS approved training centre and supervised by a competent trainer (program director/supervisor) who provides guidance and regular feedback.
The EGS provides a clinical fellowship, either medical or surgical, as well as a research fellowship based on standards defined by the EGS in the EGS syllabus.
This fellowship offers a global training in glaucoma including all medical aspects (epidemiology, diagnosis, medical therapy, follow-up) as well as surgical training (indications, various incisional and laser procedures, management of complications, follow-up) and experience in various techniques, including cataract surgery.
Research activities are desirable and are integrated to interact with clinical training and to support the fellowship program for a better understanding of evidence-based knowledge in supporting clinical practice. However, time dedicated to research should not exceed 20% of fellows’ work time.
Goal: After completion of the one-year fellowship period, the fellow will be able to safely and independently manage medical and surgical cases and perform various types of glaucoma surgeries according to the EGS fellowship syllabus.
This program offers focused training in diagnosis, medical therapy, laser therapy, and follow-up of glaucoma patients. Although practical surgical experience is not included, detailed knowledge of surgical indications, procedures, complications, and follow-up constitutes an important and active part of the training process.
Research activities are desirable and are integrated to interact with clinical training and to support the fellowship program for a better understanding of evidence-based knowledge in supporting clinical practice. However, time dedicated to research should not exceed 20% of fellows’ work time.
Goal: After completion of the fellowship period, the fellow will be able to safely and independently manage a medical glaucoma service, including laser procedures.
Within the clinical research activities, the fellow will review medical data and examine patients within a given clinical research project. Part of their time (maximum 20%) will ideally be dedicated to the outpatient clinic to further develop clinical skills. The centre does not need to provide surgical or laser training.
Goal: After completion of the fellowship period, the fellow should be able to design, organise, and independently conduct a research project. An important outcome of this fellowship would be to report on the research findings, ideally in the form of research presentations at international meetings, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
An observership constitutes a short-duration period to be spent at a glaucoma department with the possibility to follow consultants and their teams in daily clinical and surgical work on a full-time basis. Visiting ophthalmologists cannot treat patients, and the person in charge of the observership delivers a certificate of attendance at the end of the visiting period.
Goal: To gain an understanding of the diagnostic criteria, aetiology, pathogenesis, and management of various types of glaucoma, while observing in clinic and operating theatre.
