Ophthalmology Interest Group
Our Goals
The OIG seeks to provide UT San Antonio students with opportunities to learn about and experience the field of ophthalmology. We aim to increase familiarity with the field of ophthalmology and its diverse subspecialties by providing relevant information and promoting related research and project opportunities. We encourage and help facilitate networking opportunities among members within the Department of Ophthalmology and the Current Residents. To prepare students for active participation during shadowing experiences, we organize workshops that focus on teaching ophthalmic exam skills. We look forward to helping students understand the significance of ophthalmology and assisting them in preparing for ophthalmology residency.
Student Officers 2025-2026
- Dario Cosic, President
- Benjamin Mujica, Vice-President
- Azophi Moffat, Secretary
- Mustafa Alwarl, Treasurer
Involvement Opportunities
Medical Student Ophthalmic Associate (MSOA)
The MSOA Program is a partnership with the UT San Antonio Ophthalmology Department where medical students can volunteer as ophthalmic technicians. This program will work to provide medical students with more hands-on experience with performing visual exams. No prior experience is required. Medical students can sign up here if they are interested in participating.
Mobile Eye Screening Unit (MESU)
The mobile eye screening unit or MESU is a community initiative in partnership with the District 2-A2 International Association of Lions Clubs. The purpose of the unit is to provide free vision and glaucoma screenings in underserved areas of Texas to identify at-risk individuals and refer to eye care providers. To get involved with the MESU as a medical student, sign up for the newsletter!
Contact the president of the organization for more information:
President: Benjamin Mujica
Email: Benjamin Mujica
Project Blink (PB)
A health literacy initiative that aims to provide educational information and resources about systemic and eye health conditions to communities across San Antonio, Texas. Members provided educational services through facilitating informative conversations, distributing multilingual health-related pamphlets, and engaging community members in interactive activities.
Contact the president of the organization for more information
Presidents: Benjamin Mujica and Haytham El-Zaim
Email: Benjamin Mujica
Email: Haytham El-Zaim
LSOM Ophthalmology Mentorship Program
Pairs medical students with ophthalmologists and residents affiliated with LSOM. This initiative offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the LSOM Ophthalmology program, provides networking opportunities, and creates an environment for professional development and learning.
Contact the OIG Officers for more information.
Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring
The VISION Mentoring Program is a joint initiative of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO). VISION is part of the Academy’s longstanding commitment to opening access to careers in ophthalmology to all, removing barriers to care, and promoting patient-centered care.
Program Purpose: The VISION Mentoring Program works to improve access to high-quality eye care by expanding the pipeline of future ophthalmologists. The program provides mentorship, career guidance, networking, and educational resources to medical students who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving access to high-quality eye care.
Through one-on-one mentoring and tailored professional development, VISION supports students in becoming competitive applicants for ophthalmology residency. The long-term goal is to improve outcomes in underserved communities and strengthen the field of ophthalmology.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact mentoring@aao.org.
Research Opportunities in the Ophthalmology Department: https://lsom.uthscsa.edu/ophthalmology/research/
Ophthalmology Department Research Coordinator: Daniel Mojica
Email: Daniel Mojica
Scholarships
● National Medical Fellowships – A non-profit organization that aims to provide need-based and merit scholarships and service-learning programs to Black, Indigenous, Latine, People of Color students of medicine and behavioral health.
Faculty Mentor:
Michael Harrell, M.D.
Assistant Professor/Clinical
Associate Residency Program Director
Director of Medical Student Education
Specialty: Medical Retina, Cataract Surgery, Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Email: harrellm@uthscsa.edu