Laura D. Cook, MD
Associate Professor
Medical Student Director
When you ask Laura D. Cook, MD what makes the UVA Ophthalmology medical student program special, she won’t list statistics or syllabi — she’ll talk about people. She’ll talk about the faculty, residents, staff, and alumni who make time, open doors, and pass down their knowledge to the next generation. “It’s not just about teaching eye exams,” she says. “It’s about giving students a glimpse of what it means to care, to lead, and to love what you do.”
This spirit of mentorship has long been at the heart of medical student education in the department, and as the program continues to grow, so too does the community behind it.
A big part of that story includes Debbie Perry, who recently passed the reins after years of dedicated service as the department’s Medical Student Education Coordinator to focus on our ever-growing residency program. “Debbie is the calm in every storm,” Dr. Cook reflects. “She has held the program together with grace, and her heart is in every detail.” Her transition marks the end of an era — but also the start of a new one, as Sebastian Corrales, MA steps into the role with energy, curiosity, and a fresh set of shoes (his words, not ours).
At the core of the program is the fourth-year clerkship, where students spend a month immersed in clinical learning. They work side-by-side with residents, attendings, and staff — learning not only the technical side of ophthalmology but the human one, too. Students also train with the EYESI direct ophthalmoscopy simulator, study anatomy, and engage in case-based learning that helps them build confidence and skill.
While curriculum changes have reduced required exposure to ophthalmology in the earlier years of medical school, the department has responded by expanding its extracurricular offerings — and the result has been exciting. A newly designed four-part lab series gives students hands-on experiences in:
- Slit lamp orientation
- Dilated fundoscopy
- Skin suturing
- Working under the microscope
UVA Ophthalmology’s Steven A. Newman Surgical Skills Lab
Two of these labs are hosted in the cutting-edge SANSS Teaching Lab, and next year, the department plans to launch an AI + VR session in collaboration with the UVA Simulation Lab — blending innovation with instruction in a way that reflects the field’s future.
The department’s commitment extends well beyond the classroom. Through the Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG), students participate in career panels, Q&A sessions, and post-match reflections with newly matched students — a highlight for those navigating the often-daunting residency process.
One of the most beloved parts of the program is the Resident Mentoring Program, where students are paired with a resident mentor for practical advice and personal connection. “Students tell us over and over again that this is what made the difference,” Dr. Cook says. “It helps them feel seen — and supported.”
Every one of these opportunities — from the labs to the lectures to the quiet encouragement between cases — depends on the generosity of time, energy, and support from the entire department. It’s a collective effort, and it shows.
To our alumni, we hope you know how much your continued support means. Whether through mentorship, donations, or simply cheering on the next generation, you’re a vital part of this story.
And to everyone who has helped shape this program — thank you. Your dedication is not only building strong students — it’s building better doctors.