Clinical Research Fellowship | Pepose Vision Institute St. Louis

Fellowship Training

Pepose Vision Institute offers one-year and two-year Cornea/Vision Correction Fellowships for individuals who have completed an accredited U.S. residency program in ophthalmology. Our Fellows are involved in all aspects of the Practice. We provide surgical training and certification in the latest cataract, cornea and vision correction technologies, as well as high-volume pre- and post-operative patient interaction.

Fellows participate in a cooperative program with the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry, in which they provide pre- and post-operative co-management training to optometry students. Under the direct supervision of our cornea subspecialty trained PVI surgeons, Fellows perform laser vision correction surgeries/interventions for underserved individuals from East St. Louis and for first responders.


Clinical Research Fellowship

Pepose Vision Institute is engaged in an active clinical research program, largely in conjunction with developers of vision technologies around the world. PVI’s founder and Medical Director, Dr. Jay Pepose, has earned both an M.D. and Ph.D. and has published hundreds of peer-reviewed articles. He is currently Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Washington University School of Medicine. These unique features make our practice an ideal setting for training in clinical research.

One and two-year research fellowships are available. PVI will consider exceptional international candidates with research experience who have graduated from a foreign medical program and are applying to a U.S. ophthalmology residency program. All research fellows can expect to present at one or more national ophthalmology meetings, and share authorship in one or more publications during their training at PVI. For more information on the Clinical Research Fellowship, please contact ppalazzolo@wordpress-1188906-4356169.cloudwaysapps.com.


We always provide our patients with compassionate and customized care.


International Eye Banking Program

We provide grant support to enable one Fellow per year to travel to the United States to participate in the International Eye Bank Fellowship Program. The two week program was established at Pepose Vision Institute, in conjunction with Mid-America Transplant Services (MTS) of St. Louis, where Dr. Jay S. Pepose served as Medical Director of MTS Eye Banking. Its goal is to promote international eye banks and corneal transplantation – a sight-saving procedure that is the most frequently performed transplant in the U.S. — through the development of indigenous eye banks throughout the world, with particular attention paid to less-developed nations.

Historically, U.S. eye banks have tried to fill international cornea transplant needs by exporting excess corneal tissue; unfortunately, such efforts have been hindered by transportation logistics and the lack of international funds to cover U.S. tissue-processing expenses. The Pepose-MTS fellowship program provides the know-how to ophthalmologists who wish to develop state-of-the-art indigenous eye bank programs. As Dr. Pepose notes, “It is far more satisfying, efficient and effective to teach medical personnel to provide for themselves within their own communities.”

During the course of the two-week Fellowship, ophthalmologists with a special interest in eye banking receive instruction on managing and setting up an eye bank and retrieval network. Through this program, the International Fellow enjoys advanced training by MTS staff and Dr. Pepose, followed by participation in the National Eye Bank Association of America annual meeting. Previous recipients include Dr. Joselito Casimiro – The Philippines and Dr. Kunle Hassan – Nigeria.


Did you know Pepose Vision is also an advanced research facility?


Fellows

Dr. Joshua Burke, D.O. (2016-2017)

Dr. Joshua Burke received his MD degree at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, OK.  He served both his residency in Ophthalmology and internship in general medicine at Oklahoma State University Medical Center. 

Dr. Burke is a member of the The American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and other organizations and has performed research and published a number of papers.

Dr. Abu-Bakar Zafar (2015-2016)

Dr. Abu-Bakar Zafar received his MD degree at the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Zafar  served his residency in Ophthalmology at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA and his internship in Internal Medicine at University of Alabama-Birmingham Health System. 

Dr. Zafar is very active in research and has been published numerous times.

Dr. Judah E. Beck (2014-2015)

Dr. Judah Beck received his MD degree at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Dr. Beck served his residency in Ophthalmology at Nassau University Medical Center and his internship in Internal Medicine at North Shore-LIJ. 

Dr. Beck is deeply involved in community service, is a member of numerous organizations and has published many research papers.

Dr. Jay Rajendra Patel (2013-2014)

Dr. Jay Patel  received his MD degree at the Medical University of Lublin, Lublin Poland. Dr. Patel moved to New York for his residency at Department of Ophthalmology, Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island and at the Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University at Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica. 

Dr. Patel is a member of  many organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

Following his fellowship at Pepose Vision, he joined California Eye Specialists in Pasedena.

California Eye Specialists – www.californiaeyespecialists.com

Dr. Jessica Schonfeld (2012-2013)

Dr. Jessica Schonfeld received her medical degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
She completed her internship year at George Washington Hospital and her ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She completed her fellowship at the Pepose Vision Institute in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery.

Dr. Schonfeld is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

She currently practices at OptiCare Eye Health and Vision Centers in Connecticut.

OptiCare – www.opticarepc.com

Dr. Richard Chu (2011-2012)

Dr. Richard Chu received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emory University in 2001 and his medical degree from LECOM in 2007. After graduation, Dr. Chu stayed in Pennsylvania for a Traditional Internship prior to moving to Hillsdale, Michigan for his Ophthalmology residency at Michigan State University OPTI/CORO where he served as chief resident.

During residency Dr. Chu was awarded the distinguished Patrick Murray Award 2010 in addition to serving as Chair of the Council of Residents and Fellows for the American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology. He received the Marilyn A. Schaffner Award for being an outstanding physician during medical school.

During his fellowship at Pepose Vision, he was involved in many research publications and presentations. After fellowship, Dr. Chu joined his family’s eye care practice in Fort Worth, Texas.  

Eyeworks – Chu Eye- www.eyeworksgroup.com

Dr. Miranda Bishara (2010-2011)

Dr. Miranda Bishara was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. She moved to Kansas City, where she completed her undergraduate and medical degree in only six years as part of an elite program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She completed an internship in internal medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.

Dr. Bishara completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Kansas, where she was chosen as Chief Resident in her final year before joining us at Pepose Vision for her fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery. As Chief resident, Dr. Bishara performed a substantial number of refractive procedures and was also very active in teaching cataract surgery to other residents.

She participated in a medical mission trip to Ecuador during her residency and plans to continue to travel to areas of need to provide surgical eyecare. Through a grant from the Lifelong Vision Foundation, Dr. Bishara was provided the opportunity to participate in Dr. Frank A. Bucci, Jr.’s Eye Institute of the Sacred Heart in Lima, Peru. Sacro Cuore was the first private clinic to participate in the CGSGI/SLIM (Clinton Guistra Sustainable Growth Initiative) project and they have completed approximately 1,500 cataract surgeries to date.

Dr. Thomas Dingle (2008-2009)

Dr. Dingle graduated from Ohio State University, Columbus, OH and received his medical degree in June 2004. He then completed his Ophthalmology residency training at Ohio State University. Dr. Dingle received his Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree in June 1998 from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. He most recently completed a LASIK and refractive surgery fellowship with Pepose Vision Institute, St. Louis, MO. While serving his Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery fellowship at Pepose Vision Institute, Dr. Dingle was involved in many research publications and presentations.

Dr. Dingle received the Eli G. Alcorn and John B. Alcorn Prize in Ophthalmology, 2004 and was awarded the outstanding Ohio State University medical student in ophthalmology and the Landacre Honor Society Member, for The Ohio State University College of Medicine students who have shown exceptional proficiency in medical science research by presentation at the Landacre Honor Society Annual Research Forum. He was also awarded the James B Angell Scholar, awarded to University of Michigan students who achieve “A” grades in every class during an academic year.

Columbus Ohio Eye Physicians & Surgeons –www.theeyecenterofcolumbus.com

Dr. Gitane Patel (2008-2009)

After graduating Cum Laude with Highest Departmental Honors as well as a Regent’s Scholar and Master of Public Health, from UCLA, Dr. Patel received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL as well as a Master of Science in Applied Physiology. Dr. Patel completed his Internship at Mount Snai Hospital, New York, N.Y. His ophthalmology residency was served at Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, where he was chief resident. Dr. Patel completed a prestigious two-year Corneal, External Diseases and Refractive Surgery fellowship at Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis.

Dr. Patel is the recipient of numerous honors, Howard University Scientific Research Competition (2nd place), Cancer Registry Project Award – USC Public Health, Highest Departmental Honors, UCLA Biochemistry, and Merk Index Award. He is a member of American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Public Health Association.

Dr. Alexander Lee (2007-2008)

Dr. Lee is a board certified ophthalmologist with fellowships in glaucoma and refractive surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley, and his medical degree at the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine. He went on to receive his internship and residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. After his residency, he went on to complete a fellowship in Glaucoma at the University of California at San Diego with Dr. Robert Weinreb, a world-renowned glaucoma specialist. Dr. Lee then served as the Director of Glaucoma Services at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento. Because of his additional interests in refractive corneal and refractive cataract surgery, he completed an additional fellowship in refractive surgery.

Dr. Lee is an active clinician and surgeon. He specializes in the diagnoses and management of glaucoma, cataract surgery, and laser vision correction. Dr. Lee has published many peer-reviewed papers and presented at numerous national meetings. Dr. Lee speaks mandarin. He enjoys playing tennis, loves to travel and listens to classical music.

Silicon Valley Eye Physicians – www.eyelink.com

Dr. Olga Konykhov (2007-2008)

Dr. Konykhov is a board-certified ophthalmologist, specializes in cataract and lens implant surgery, laser vision correction and refractive surgery as well as corneal and external eye disease. Dr. Konykhov graduated summa cum laude from St. John’s University. After receiving her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, College of Medicine, she completed her ophthalmology residency at New York Medical College where she served as chief resident.

She is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Konykhov, who speaks fluent Russian, practices in OptiCare’s Waterbury and Norwalk locations.

OptiCare – www.opticarepc.com

Dr. Eric Yoon (2006-2007)

Dr. Yoon graduated from the University of Michigan and received his medical degree from Wayne State University. His residency training was in Chicago at the Stroger/Cook County Medical Center. He most recently completed a LASIK and refractive surgery fellowship with the Pepose Vision Institute near St. Louis.

The Pepose Vision Institute is one of the busiest refractive surgery practices in the country and provided Dr. Yoon with an opportunity to learn and perform the latest refractive surgery procedures. In addition to LASIK and refractive surgery Dr. Yoon also performs no-stitch cataract surgery and treats diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and corneal diseases.

Advanced Ophthalmology of Michiana – www.bgseyecare.com

Dr. Jeffrey Paul Sanderson, M.D (2005-2006)

Jeffrey Paul Sanderson, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist, is subspecialty-trained in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery. After receiving his medical degree from, University of Minnesota, he completed his ophthalmology residency at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN., and was the recipient of the Oculoplastics award.

Dr. Sanderson’s internship was completed at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN. In 2006 he completed a LASIK and refractive surgery fellowship with the Pepose Vision Institute, St. Louis. He now has his own practice in Minneapolis, MN.

Dr. Paul Mann (2003)

Dr. Paul Mann grew up in the Houston area, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia before returning to Houston to attend medical school. He earned an M.B.A. from the Jones Graduate School of Administration at Rice University while attending medical school at the UT Health Science Center at Houston, where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He then completed his internship and residency training at The University of Utah John A. Moran Eye Center, serving as chief resident for his final year.

Sharing his father’s passion for refractive surgery, Dr. Paul Mann served as Clinical Fellow of Refractive and Corneal Surgery at the Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, performing refractive and corneal surgeries. While in St. Louis, Dr. Paul Mann served as Clinical Instructor at the University of Missouri School of Optometry. He is especially proud of his efforts to provide surgical instruction and care to the indigent people of central Bolivia. He recently returned from the region where his team treated over 500 individuals in need.

Dr. Paul Mann specializes in performing Blade Free LASIK procedure utilizing the most advanced laser technology available today, IntraLase with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE LASER. Blade Free LASIK at Mann Eye Institute is uniquely customized to your personal vision needs and performed without the use of blades – an advantage that offers our patients increased predictability, safety and excellent visual outcomes. Mann Eye Institute is the only laser center in Houston and Austin to offer advanced surgical expertise and this combination of leading-edge technology.

As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Dr. Mann annually presents scientific papers to his peers.

Mann Eye – www.maneye.com

Dr. Kazi Reshad Agaz (2003)

Dr. Agaz serves as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at  Bangladesh Eye Hospital where he specializes in cornea and glaucoma. He completed his fellowship training in cataract, cornea and refractive surgery. 

He has been published a number of times.

Bangladesh Eye Hospital – http://www.bdeyehospital.com/

Dr. Bo Huang (2002-2003)

Dr. Huang is a subspecialty-trained ophthalmologist in cornea, external disease and refractive surgery. He is currently an assistant professor of ophthalmology at UMC. He practices full-time at the university eye clinics as well as serving as a cornea consultant to the VA hospital eye clinic in Jackson, MS. Dr. Huang was a recipient of numerous grants and awards, which include a prestigious career development award from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Medical Association and Mississippi EENT Society. Dr. Huang has been published widely in ophthalmology journals.

University of Mississippi – Dept. of Ophthalmology – www.opthalmology.umc.edu

Dr. Mujtaba A. Qazi, M.D. (2001-2002)

Dr. Mujtaba Qazi, MD, Director of Clinical Studies at Pepose Vision Institute is Instructor of Ophthalmology at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, as well as a cornea and vision correction surgery Instructor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis School of Optometry. He is a board-certified subspecialist in the areas of cornea and vision correction surgery.

Dr. Qazi received his Bachelor degree from New York University College of Arts & Science and his Medical Doctorate from New York University School of Medicine. While at New York University, he was named a Presidential Scholar. He completed his residency training in ophthalmology at Boston University School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident.

 In 2002, he completed his subspecialty fellowship training in cornea and vision correction at Pepose Vision Institute. He was the first vision correction specialist in the St. Louis region to be certified for VISX’s topography-linked customized LASIK therapy and is also one of the few area cornea subspecialists to have received training in the newest corneal transplant technology, DSAEK. As Director of Clinical Studies at PVI, Dr. Qazi is actively involved in many research projects, with special expertise in customized laser vision correction, the surgical correction of presbyopia, and visual outcomes after cataract surgery. He has authored abstracts, peer-reviewed articles, and book chapters, and has been an invited speaker at many local and national meetings.

Dr. Qazi is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Qazi is recognized by Best Doctors in America and “Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare” a publication featuring the most accomplished healthcare and medical professionals from around the world.

Pepose Vision Institute – www.peposevision.com

Dr. Saira A. Choudhri (2001-2002)

Dr. Choudhri did her research and internship at Duke University School of Medicine and went on to complete Ophthalmology residency training at the Yale Eye Center, Yale University School of Medicine where she served as Chief Resident. She received advanced fellowship training in Cataract, Cornea, anterior Segment Disease and Refractive Surgery at Barnes Hospital and Pepose Vision Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Choudhri held a clinical faculty position as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Wilmet Eye Institute, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, the premier Ophthalmology Institute in the country prior to relocating to Florida.

Dr. Choudhri has had comprehensive training and clinical experience and has performed thousands of cataract operations, Refractive and Corneal surgeries and other eye procedures. She offers a full spectrum of care for medical and surgical diseases of the eye.

Dr. Choudhri is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Eye Care Specialists of Florida – www.eyecarespecialistsofflorida.com

Dr. Irwin Cua (2000-2001)

Dr. Irwin Y. Cua is a member of the St. Luke’s International Eye Center laser refractive surgery team. He specializes in laser refractive surgery and cornea-external diseases and is actively involved in the residency training program of the institute.

A board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Cua received his degree in medicine from the University of the Philippines and completed his postdoctoral internship at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). He finished his residency training at the Institute of Ophthalmology, St. Luke’s Medical Center. He completed a 2-year clinical fellowship training at the Pepose Vision Institute-Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Missouri under the directorship of Dr. Jay S. Pepose.

Dr. Cua’s current affiliations include the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society, Cornea Club of the Philippines, Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Philippine Board of Ophthalmology as an Examiner, and the Philippine Medical Association.

Dr. Cua is actively involved in research and has authored and co-authored several journal publications and book chapters, particularly on keratorefractive surgery and corneal diseases. His current research interests are cutting-edge technology in laser refractive surgery, corneal and ocular surface diseases, and ocular stem cell transplantation.

St. Luke’s International Eye Center

Dr. John M. Khoury (1998-1999)

Dr. John Khoury John M. Khoury, M.D. is a member of several ophthalmic societies, including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. After receiving his bachelor and doctorate degree from the American University of Beirut, he continued onto The Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins for his first fellowship in Cornea, External Diseases, and Refractive Surgery and later attended Washington University School of Medicine for his second Cornea and Refractive Surgery fellowship. Throughout the past ten years, Dr. Khoury has published extensively on refractive surgery in peer-reviewed journals and has several book chapters to his credit.

An Ambassador of Wavelight Laser technologies for the past seven years, Dr. Khoury has been certified on several different excimer lasers. He has also performed LASIK on severely traumatized and challenging eyes, and has published his experience in the esteemed Journal of Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Khoury has performed thousands of LASIK and PRK procedures. He is married to Dr. Joanne Nassar (optometrist) and has three lovely daughters, Joya, Julianne, and Jade.

Dr. Ruben Lim Bon Siong, M.D. (1994-1996)

Ruben Lim Bon Siong, MD, FPAO is the Head of the St. Luke’s International Eye Institute-Vision Laser Center and Chief of Section of Refractive Surgery and Active Consultant of Cornea and External Eye Diseases of the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of St. Luke’s Medical Center. He is highly trained in laser vision correction and has extensive experience in the latest techniques.

Dr. Lim Bon Siong received his degree in medicine from the University of the Philippines Manila and completed ophthalmology residency training and external eye disease fellowship at Philippine General Hospital. He is certified by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology and topped the board’s diplomat examination. He completed a 2-year clinical and research fellowship in refractive surgery, cornea and external eye diseases at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri under the directorship of Dr. Jay S. Pepose. He has been performing laser vision correction for more than a decade.

Dr. Marc A. Goldberg (1993-1995)

Dr. Goldberg has devoted a large portion of his practice to corneal refractive (PRK/LASIK) and advanced cataract surgery. He continues to be at the forefront of new clinical and academic efforts in these areas of subspecialty.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University, Dr. Goldberg received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Goldberg then finished an ophthalmology residency at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco and subsequently completed a prestigious two-year cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. At Washington University he was involved in research that led to the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the excimer laser for use in the United States. After fellowship training and prior to moving to Tulsa, Dr. Goldberg served as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary where he directed the Infirmary’s cornea and refractive surgery lecture series.

Dr. Goldberg was appointed clinical assistant professor of the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine-Tulsa shortly after arriving in Tulsa in 1996. He currently is the medical director of the Lions’ Eye Bank of Tulsa and serves on the medical advisory board and accreditation committee of the Eye Bank Association of America, the primary national organization responsible for oversight of tissue banks supplying corneas for transplantation nationwide.

Through his training, clinical work and teaching, Dr. Goldberg has gained extensive experience in corneal transplantation, advanced cataract surgery, and refractive surgery techniques, including excimer laser PRK and LASIK. Dr. Goldberg has lectured nationally and published numerous peer-reviewed ophthalmology journal articles. He has coauthored corneal and refractive surgery textbook chapters. He has committed his practice to the caring and ethical treatment of patients with ophthalmic, medical, and surgical needs.

The Eye Institute – www.eyeinst.com

Dr. Ekktet Chansue (1991-1993)

Dr. Ekktet Chansue graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand in 1986. After graduation, he completed a residency in Ophthalmology at Chiangmai Hospital.

Dr. Chansue was the first ophthalmologist from South East Asia to be invited to join the International Ophthalmology, Project Orbis in 1989 -1991. He then joined Washington University Eye Center in St. Louis. Missouri as a fellowship in Cornea and External Diseases where he participated in a clinical study of the use of the excimer laser.

After returning to Thailand, Dr. Chansue was the Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital in 1993 -2001 where he was recognized ” The First Surgeon to perform LASIK in Thailand “. Dr. Chansue is widely respected in the specialty area of refractive surgery. He has extensive experience in performing thousands of refractive surgery procedures.

Dr. Chansue is the founder and a Medical Director of TRSC. He and TRSC’ s team of ophthalmologists regularly participate in the international forums and meetings to exchange their knowledge and experiences with the refractive surgeons around the world. TRSC International LASIK Center is one of the most frequently visited LASIK centers in ASIA among international ophthalmologists.

TRSC International LASIK Center – www.lasikthai.com

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