Elsa Lee, Ophthalmology MSc (2021-2022)

Full name: Elsa Lee
Degree title and year of programme: Ophthalmology MSc, 2021-2022

In this interview with Elsa Lee, Ophthalmology MSc (2021-2022), we learn more about Elsa's experience of studying at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Elsa was also one of the Institute's International Excellence Scholars.

1. Why did you choose to study your programme and what made you choose the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology?

I chose Ophthalmology MSc as my MBBS intercalation. As an aspiring ophthalmologist, I was struck by the mismatch between demand for eye care and the density of ophthalmologists worldwide after reading the Lancet Commission on Global Eye Health (2021). I wanted to tackle ophthalmic disease burdens of the current and incoming decades. To learn at the centre of Institute’s research engine and the largest eye hospital in Europe was an opportunity unparalleled in the world.

2. What did you enjoy most about your programme? 

My favourite part of the course was simulating lid laceration repair and trabeculectomy. I’m an experiential learner, so practical workshops and observerships at Moorfields Eye Hospital helped immensely.

3. What impact has receiving the scholarship had for you?

The scholarship granted me invaluable time which I used to understand the ways to widen access to eye care. I’ve learnt that preventative eye care requires partnerships in the community with allied ophthalmic professionals.

 4. What advice would you give prospective students thinking of studying at the Institute of Ophthalmology? 

The world is your oyster! There may be steep learning curves but also unexpected gains in personal development. It helps to keep up to date with the Institute’s initiatives in redefining the post-pandemic landscape of eye care.

Connect with Elsa via:

• Twitter: @ElsabhLee
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elsabhlee/ 

You can learn more about the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology's International Excellence Scholarship here.