Introduction & Overview of the Fellowship

The Georgia Retina Vitreoretinal Fellowship offers comprehensive training in the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal disease. Over the course of two years, fellows gain the experience, independence, and confidence needed to thrive in both academic and private practice settings.

Fellows work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty whose diverse training backgrounds provide exposure to a wide range of surgical techniques, clinical philosophies, and approaches to care. This breadth of mentorship ensures a well-rounded and adaptable training experience.

In addition to developing surgical expertise, the program emphasizes the skills necessary to build a successful practice. Fellows learn to foster strong relationships with referring providers, deliver exceptional patient-centered care, and collaborate effectively with clinical teams to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Curriculum & Training Structure

Two years

Expect to be involved in more than 1000 surgical cases with approximately 700 of these being performed as primary surgeon.

Fellows will have the opportunity to be involved with Radiation plaque therapy for choroidal melanomas, PDT and TTT for additional choroidal and retinal tumors, and retinopathy of prematurity screening exams.

Of note, fellows will not be doing injection clinics or travel to satellite clinics. Fellows will be based in the main locations at Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Chamblee.

Weekly Fellows’ Conference, except when it coincides with the quarterly practice-wide case conference, surgical conference, or Journal Club.

Faculty & Leadership

Clinical Experience

Fellows will be on call for the practice one week per month on average. A few days per month will be assigned for local hospital ophthalmology call.

6 Months Rotation 1

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Operating Room	Operating Room	Operating Room	Operating Room	Clinic
Chamblee Clinic	Northside/Chamblee Clinic	Northside Clinic	Northside Clinic	Northside/Marietta Clinic

6 Months Rotation 2

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Operating Room	Operating Room	Operating Room	Operating Room	Clinic
Northside Clinic	Marietta Clinic	Northside Clinic	Northside Clinic	Northside/Marietta Clinic

Clinical Experience Highlights

Fellows train in a retina-focused ambulatory surgery center providing exposure to a high-volume surgical environment with more than 2,000 cases annually across our surgeons. An additional 1,000+ procedures each year are performed at an affiliated hospital. Fellows will gain hands-on experience at both locations, allowing for a broader range of case complexity, surgical techniques, and faculty mentorship to maximize learning.

As a part of the fellowship, the fellows will be involved with active clinical trials with designation as sub-investigators. Opportunities for research and podium presentations will be available with the guidance of nationally recognized faculty mentors.

Fellows will participate in the management of intraocular tumors, including radioactive plaque therapy for choroidal melanoma, with approximately 25–30 cases annually. Additional experience includes focal laser treatment for ocular tumors, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT), tailored to diagnosis and clinical presentation.

Our physicians provide Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening services at 12 hospitals, offering fellows exposure to pediatric retinal disease in a hospital-based setting. Fellows will have the opportunity to join ROP rounds alongside the attending physician who leads this specialized service.

Fellows will have the opportunity to rotate with a Duke fellowship-trained uveitis specialist within the practice, gaining valuable experience in the diagnosis and management of complex inflammatory eye disease.

Benefits, Compensation, and other Resources

Candidates for our Vitreoretinal Surgical Fellowship must have the following qualifications:

Must possess MD, DO, or equivalent degree
Must have completed an accredited US ophthalmology residency program
Must be eligible for board certification and Georgia licensure

Please note: We are currently unable to sponsor visas for international applicants.

First-Year Compensation: $85,000
Second-Year Compensation: $90,000
Fellows receive competitive compensation and are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, in accordance with applicable practice policies.
Credentialing and Licensing: Application fees and professional dues covered
Malpractice Insurance: Provided (occurrence-based coverage)
Three Weeks Paid Vacation
Professional Development:
- First-year fellow supported to attend Duke Course and ARVO
- Second-year fellow supported to attend the Fellows Forum and either ASRS or AAO

Applicant registration starts Monday, June 29, 2026, and must be submitted through SF Match’s Central Application Service (CAS) using link below.

SF Match Application

Additional Required Materials:

Curriculum Vitae
Digital Photo
Please refer to the SF Match application for additional required documents.

If you have questions, please contact our fellowship coordinator:

Margo Blake
Email: [email protected]
Phone : 404-446-9993

Georgia Retina Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program values balance and personal well-being, encouraging fellows to remain connected to family, interests, and life beyond the clinic. Fellows live and train in a welcoming community with access to cultural, outdoor, and recreational opportunities that support renewal and perspective. This environment allows fellows to thrive personally while growing into accomplished vitreoretinal surgeons.

There’s something for everyone from great restaurants, outdoors, hiking, water sports on the lakes nearby, family friendly neighborhoods, major sports team (NBA, wNBA, NFL, MLS, NHL coming soon), golf courses you can play year round, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant young city filled with other young professionals in tech, law, finance and consulting, among others. Atlanta is the home base for Delta Airlines making almost every destination a nonstop flight away.

Atlanta Attractions:

Michelin Restaurant Guide

Sports: