Overview
The Master of Science in Vision Science and Investigative Ophthalmology (MVSIO) at the University of Miami is an innovative program, the first of its kind in the world, which offers comprehensive training in ophthalmic translational research, problem-based learning, management, and a skill set available only at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
The MVSIO program focuses on science and laboratory research, including the disciplines of electrophysiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as exposure to ocular clinical details and ocular pathology. It will prepare students with furtherance of their careers in vision science and investigative ophthalmology.
In addition, the multidisciplinary program builds management, administrative and entrepreneurial skills for professionals desiring a vision science-oriented career in medical practice, startup companies, management of non-profit organizations, academic practices, government regulatory agencies, and medical device and pharmaceutical companies. Led by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s world-class faculty and supported by leading-edge technology, the MVSIO program opens the door to new career opportunities for medical school graduates, clinicians and other professionals.
For five decades, many of the most important innovations that have revolutionized global ophthalmology have come from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Bascom Palmer is recognized as one of ophthalmology’s foremost resources providing advanced patient care, vision research and education. As the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, it is committed to the protection and preservation of the treasured gift of sight.
Admission Requirements
All individuals with strong background education in biology, biochemical, or biological sciences are eligible to submit an application; having taken courses in anatomy and physiology is advantageous. We strongly encourage the following to apply:
- Candidates with medical degrees (M.D.) from U.S. or foreign institutions.
- Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in experimental sciences encompassing any area of biological or biochemical sciences, provided they have the equivalent of a 3.5 or higher grade point average.
- Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above (or U.S. equivalent) in their undergraduate degree, provided they have relevant work experience.
- Medical degree students: Step 1 United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - score greater than 245 is preferred.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| OPH 610 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye | 1 |
| OPH 615 | Pathology of Eye Diseases | 1 |
| OPH 620 | Ocular Pharmacology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics | 1 |
| OPH 625 | Microbiology and Immunology of the Eye | 1 |
| OPH 630 | Ophthalmic Genetics | 1 |
| OPH 635 | Electrophysiology of the eye | 1 |
| OPH 640 | Vision and Optics | 2 |
| OPH 645 | Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Ophthalmology | 2 |
| Laboratory Courses | ||
| OPH 661 | LAB: Basic Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pathology | 3 |
| OPH 662 | Lab: Basic and Applied Optics and Statistics | 1 |
| OPH 663 | Lab: Electrophysiology, Clinical Testing and Applications | 1 |
| Problem-Based Learning | ||
| OPH 771 | PBL: Advanced and High Throughput Approaches in Science | 2 |
| OPH 772 | PBL: Management skills and Tools for Academia and Enterprises | 2 |
| OPH 773 | PBL: Animal Models, Regulatory issues, and Research Methods | 2 |
| Electives | ||
| OPH 691 | Societal Relevance to Science, Medicine, and Translational Science | 2 |
| Thesis | ||
| OPH 810 | Ophthalmology Research Thesis | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Suggested Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| OPH 610 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye | 1 |
| OPH 615 | Pathology of Eye Diseases | 1 |
| OPH 620 | Ocular Pharmacology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics | 1 |
| OPH 625 | Microbiology and Immunology of the Eye | 1 |
| OPH 630 | Ophthalmic Genetics | 1 |
| OPH 645 | Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Ophthalmology | 2 |
| OPH 661 | LAB: Basic Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pathology | 3 |
| OPH 771 | PBL: Advanced and High Throughput Approaches in Science | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| OPH 635 | Electrophysiology of the eye | 1 |
| OPH 640 | Vision and Optics | 2 |
| OPH 662 | Lab: Basic and Applied Optics and Statistics | 1 |
| OPH 663 | Lab: Electrophysiology, Clinical Testing and Applications | 1 |
| OPH 772 | PBL: Management skills and Tools for Academia and Enterprises | 2 |
| OPH 773 | PBL: Animal Models, Regulatory issues, and Research Methods | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| OPH 691 | Societal Relevance to Science, Medicine, and Translational Science | 2 |
| OPH 810 | Ophthalmology Research Thesis | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| OPH 810 | Ophthalmology Research Thesis | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Mission
By training graduate students in research, research management skills and enterprise management, the goal of the MVSIO degree is to educate the next generation of leaders in vision science.
Goals
Consistent with the university's strategic vision, the goals of the programs are:
- Train Master's students in research and research management skills; and
- Prepare students for a future PhD-level program in Vision Science and investigative Ophthalmology.
Student Learning Outcomes
- By training graduate students in research, research management skills and enterprise management, the goal of the MVSIO degree is to educate the next generation of leaders in vision science, including:
• Science graduates who want to extend their intellectual horizons
• College graduates who intend to improve their medical education prior to entering medical school
• Professionals in industry, academic research settings, regulatory bodies and philanthropic organizations
• Prospective entrepreneurs in the growing field of vision care
• Medical school graduates interested in joining an ophthalmology residency program
• Clinician and non-clinician graduates with medical degrees from foreign countries
