The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) has many opportunities for residents and fellows to be involved in the society and to gain valuable educational and professional development experience. This page is dedicated to the available resources for resident and fellow members. 

If you are a resident or fellow and are interested in getting involved, please contact FSO Managing Director Carrie Pope.

Become a Member

Membership in the Florida Society of Ophthalmology is free to residents and fellows who are in a full-time, approved training program in the state of Florida. As a member of FSO, residents and fellows receive many invaluable benefits and professional development opportunities to help transition from training to practice. 

Join FSO Mentorship Program

The FSO Mentorship Program is designed to connect FSO residents and fellows with experienced ophthalmologists that are members of FSO to provide personal, professional and leadership development. Mentees are matched with mentors based on the information gathered through the application process. Mentees can also select up to three mentor candidates from the list of FSO mentors. The program is open to all residents and fellows that are members. The mentorship relationship is expected to last the duration of the mentee’s training.

FSO holds one educational conference a year where residents and fellows can attend the meeting for free. The conference offers residents and fellows professional development opportunities specific to their interests including the following:

• Networking: Connect and build relationships with other residents, fellows and practicing ophthalmologists during networking events and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the conference. Learn about the latest advancements in technology and treatments from over 45 vendors in the FSO exhibit hall.
• Education: The scientific sessions provide an extensive review of topics that are important and relevant to both comprehensive ophthalmologists and subspecialists. The sessions will provide attendees with emerging information on clinical approaches that can be immediately implemented in their practice for the benefit of the patient. The meeting features didactic lectures and subspecialty breakout sessions with patient case presentations.
• Young Ophthalmologist Program: Also, offered annually in conjunction with the Masters in Ophthalmology meeting is a Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Program. This program is designed specifically for the YO. Topics change annually, but cover career building, mentorship, financial planning, advocacy, work-life balance, American Board of Ophthalmology updates and more.

Goals of the Mentorship Program

• Provide long lasting professional relationships that last beyond the program.
• Provide opportunities for personal, professional and leadership development.
• Provide opportunities for residents and fellows to grow within FSO and to serve in FSO leadership roles.

Expectations of the Mentorship Program

• Establish a preferred communication channel and frequency in which you will communicate.
• Commit to regular check-ins through preferred communication channel.
• Stay engaged during the length of the mentorship relationship.
• Meet in person, one time a year at the FSO meeting in June during the Mentor Networking Event