The Retina Group of Florida Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship

Welcome from the Program Directors

Welcome to the Retina Group of Florida Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship. This program has been carefully designed to provide a rigorous, rewarding, and deeply personalized training experience. Our goal is to train a fellow who will be ready to join a high-volume practice and contribute day one.

You'll be guided by 15 experienced retina surgeons, including nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field, and supported by a collaborative academic network through Retina Consultants of America (RCA), a national network of over 300 retina specialists practicing in 250+ locations across 23 states.

We will train one fellow every two years to ensure close supervision and a truly individualized
experience. We're proud to launch our inaugural fellowship in July 2026 – and we hope you'll consider joining us.

• Eduardo Uchiyama, M.D. - Program Director
• Mandeep Singh Dhalla, M.D. - Associate Program Director
• Mario del Cid, M.D. - Associate Program Director
• Ryan Shields, MD - Assistant Program Director
• Larry S. Halperin, MD - Senior Faculty Advisor

Program Overview

Close Mentorship

Train with 15 experienced retina surgeons, including nationally and internationally recognized
leaders in the field.

High-Volume Surgical Experience

Operate 4-5 days per week with progressive autonomy and expert guidance.

Rich Clinical Exposure

Receive comprehensive training in medical retina and uveitis with diverse patient populations.

Research Opportunities

Participate in dozens of clinical trials with mentorship in study design and implementation.

Our fellowship provides training across state-of-the-art facilities along Florida's east coast, spanning Broward (Fort Lauderdale area) and Palm Beach Counties. Rotations are strategically scheduled to minimize daily travel time between locations.

Candidates for our fellowship must meet the following qualifications:

• Possess an MD, DO, or equivalent degree
• Have completed an accredited U.S. ophthalmology residency program
• Be eligible for board certification and full Florida medical licensure prior to the fellowship
  start date
• Please note: We are currently unable to sponsor visas for international applicants.

For more information, contact us at fellowship@rgfla.com.

Application Timeline

1. Register with SF Match
   Registration opens June 30, 2025 for the 2026-2028 fellowship cycle.
2. Submit Application
   Submit your SF Match/CAS application by September 8, 2025, along with a CV and a recent photo.
3. Interview
   Selected candidates will be invited to interviews conducted in November 2025.
4. Rank List Deadline
   All rank lists must be finalized and submitted by December 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Pacific Time.
5. Match Day
   Match results will be announced on December 16, 2025, with the fellowship beginning on July 7, 2026.

Sample Fellow Schedule

Our fellow rotates through a structured weekly schedule with a strong surgical focus, complemented by office-based clinical training and dedicated educational conferences.

This balanced schedule ensures comprehensive training while maintaining work-life balance. The fellow progresses from observation to increasing autonomy throughout their fellowship year.

National Network Advantage with Retina Consultants of America (RCA)

The Retina Group of Florida is a proud founding member of Retina Consultants of America (RCA), providing fellows with unparalleled access to a national community of retina leaders, educational resources, and potential career pathways.

1. National Community
   Connect with 300+ retina specialists across 23 states.
2. Enhanced Education
   Access RCA symposia and surgical courses.
3. Collaborative Research
   Participate in multi-center studies and shared best practices.
4. Career Development
   Explore future opportunities within the RCA network.