Visiting Students in Ophthalmology (ViSiO) Scholarship
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) is proud to offer the Visiting Students in Ophthalmology (ViSiO) Scholarship for medical students participating in our four-week ophthalmology rotation, typically during their fourth year. This competitive elective provides a holistic exploration of ophthalmic health, integrating clinical and surgical experiences, research exposure, and mentorship.
At DOVS, we recognize that social impact and belonging are essential to our mission. As a global leader in vision education and care, these values shape every aspect of our work in education, research, patient care, and service. We are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience within a supportive, welcoming, and respectful environment.
To demonstrate this commitment, DOVS established the ViSiO Scholarship to support students pursuing a visiting elective in Ophthalmology.
Application Details:
Approved visiting medical students are encouraged to apply by downloading the application form below. Completed applications should be submitted to medstudents@ophth.wisc.edu by June 15.
“I was given as much autonomy as I felt comfortable with; I polished my exam skills and was academically challenged in the best way.”
Medical Student Alana Bryant discusses her experience on rotation with us.
“Be patient with yourself. Skills such as operating a slit lamp, fundus exams, and imaging interpretation take time.”
Resident Aziza Dhalai shares her tips for a successful away rotation for prospective learners.
“Ophthalmology has everything: surgery, clinic, imaging, emergencies, trauma, and long-term patient care.”
Chief Resident Claire Hermsen welcomes learners and shares her perspective on finding your path.
What Medical Students Are Saying About UW Ophthalmology
Mark Lindquist, 2025 Visiting Medical Student
"During my rotation, I was given the opportunity to independently evaluate patients in both comprehensive and subspecialty clinics, deepening my understanding of diverse ophthalmic diseases. I also gained valuable surgical experience through frequent operating room exposure and an outstanding wet lab focused on cataract surgery and corneal suturing. Beyond the clinical experience, I was impressed by the program’s culture of camaraderie, altruism, and teamwork.”
Rachel Malsch, 2025 Visiting Medical Student
“I greatly advanced my clinical skills and knowledge on this rotation. I spent time in the ocular pathology lab, and I had the opportunity to practice steps of cataract surgery on a pig eye in the wet lab. Additionally, spending a call day with a resident provided valuable insights into the full residency experience. All of the faculty and residents were very engaged during my rotation. Everyone was enthusiastic and genuinely enjoyed teaching. The interactions among staff and how they treated me as a visiting student affirmed the positive and collaborative environment at UW-Madison."
Shayan Massoumi, 2025 Visiting Medical Student
“I chose Madison because of the program’s reputation for world-class clinical training delivered within a genuinely supportive and down-to-earth culture. Every mentor and resident I spoke with before applying described UW as a place where trainees receive broad exposure to diverse pathology while also being surrounded by people who truly care about one another. Residency is challenging anywhere, but training in an environment where residents feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow is what stood out most."
Alexis Monical, 2025 Visiting Medical Student
“The ophthalmology program at UW-Madison is very committed to their residents with opportunities for high surgical numbers and promotes independence especially through the Veteran’s Administration hospital. I was very impressed with the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and I was very excited to experience the program and culture in person. I am very happy with my decision to spend my away rotation at UW-Madison, and the program exceeded my already high expectations.”
Josephine Rudd Zhong Manis, 2025 Visiting Medical Student
“I loved the breadth of subspecialty exposure throughout the rotation. Working with many different faculty members and observing their distinct approaches to both clinic and OR cases was incredibly educational. I also learned a great deal from the on-call experiences with residents, which gave me valuable insight into how residents think about and manage acute ophthalmic conditions. Overall, the rotation greatly expanded my knowledge of ophthalmology and made me even more excited to go into the field!”
Matthew Schulgit, 2025 Visiting Student
"I appreciated the wide variety of experiences, both clinical and OR, that were provided to students! It was great to rotate through each subspecialty and clinical locations that residents see throughout the program. I also valued the opportunity for structured wet lab experience and the lecture series which helped supplement the strong clinical learning. Madison is also a fantastic city and was a great, accessible place to stay for the rotation."
Tommy Bui, 2024 Visiting Medical Student
"The away rotation exceeded all my expectations. The attendings were committed to teaching me more about ophthalmology, and the residents actively encouraged the medical students to participate in academic activities, such Grand Rounds and Basic Science Lectures. I was also fortunate to have attended the Midwest Phaco Course, which is held every year in Madison, and I established a foundational understanding of cataract surgery that has been a huge kickstart to growing surgical knowledge."
Rebecca Mastey, 2024 Visiting Medical Student
"At UW–Madison, I was able to get involved in the operating room as well as clinics and was given the autonomy to see patients on my own when appropriate. I also was able to get into the wetlab and practice hands-on skills such as corneal sutures and placing intraocular lenses! The attendings and residents were all very welcoming and willing to help me navigate the campus."
Todd Christensen, 2024 Visiting Medical Student
"I was so happy with my time at UW–Madison. The rotation allowed me to work in every aspect of ophthalmology in both the clinic and operating room. I was able to work both with residents and attendings and learn from many accomplished, kind professionals about so many aspects of patient care. I came away better prepared to apply for ophthalmology residency and surer of my decision to do so."
Jesus Melendez-Montañez, 2023 Visiting Medical Student
"I gained hands-on experience and practice improving my basic ophthalmology skills. Also, I gained mentors and guidance from UW–Madison’s faculty and ophthalmology residents. Coming from a medical school without an ophthalmology program, this opportunity gave me all the tools and exposure to immerse myself in the field of ophthalmology."
Amisha Dave, 2022 Visiting Medical Student
"My rotation at UW–Madison gave me many opportunities to enhance my clinical knowledge, improve my exam skills, and see patients on my own. The department did an excellent job of integrating me into their activities, giving me the opportunity to participate in journal clubs and grand rounds. All the faculty and residents were passionate about teaching and I was able to apply that teaching directly to patient care."
Aziza Dhalai, 2022 Visiting Medical Student
"After reviewing many ophthalmology programs, I chose to rotate at UW–Madison because of the subspecialties that were represented, the abundant research available to residents within the department and the long-standing global ophthalmology program. Also, several of my mentors spoke very highly of the program."