Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology

Course Information

This five-week course is intended to provide contemporary and extensive coverage of the basic sciences and clinical sciences in Ophthalmology.

Founded in 1946, the Lancaster Course has provided training for ophthalmologists from all over the world; many teaching hospitals supplement their residency training programs with the Lancaster Course. The faculty is selected for its expertise, clarity of presentation and ability to provide high-quality visual aids. An expansive syllabus is provided and feedback from the previous year’s participants is closely evaluated and reflected in both faculty and syllabus changes. Both residents and practicing ophthalmologists who wish to focus on certain topics in ophthalmology are welcome to register for individual sections. The course is held on the beautiful campus of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, during the summer months.

Colby provides convenient and affordable housing on campus (including three daily meals in the dining hall). Many residents take advantage of this to explore Maine, which is a popular summer destination. Colby College is conveniently located within a short drive to Portland, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park.

 

Program Highlights

• Outstanding course in Ophthalmology with distinguished faculty highlighting current research and trends
• Beautiful, serene campus environment
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Scheduled social programs and activities
• Affordable on-campus housing and meals
• Traditional lobster bake
• Athletic Center (Free)
• Colby Museum of Art (Free)
• Campus Pub

Colby housing includes:

• Three daily meals in our newly renovated dining hall with unique menu items in multiple stations and all-you-can-eat buffets
• Access to the athletic center and pool
• Ticket to our popular Maine lobster bake
• Complimentary parking on campus or downtown
• Free shuttle service between campus and the Commons
• Maid service, pillows, linen, blankets, and towels
• Free wireless internet throughout campus and in downtown Waterville

Visit our housing page for more information about the dorms and apartments.

Bring Your Family and Friends to Explore Maine!

Guests staying on campus are encouraged to bring their family or friends for an additional fee.  Plan to arrive early or extend your stay to explore Maine – Colby College is conveniently located in Central Maine for easy day trips to popular destinations.  Your family and friends will have access to the same campus amenities listed above, including the lobster bake.  Add family and friends or additional lobster bake meals when you register for the conference or phone 207-859-4730 to make these changes to your existing registration.

Childcare

Childcare is available at the Alfond Youth Center, which is located less than one mile from campus.  Rates are $125 per week or $30 per day (half-day rates are also available).  Shuttle service to the Center is available.  For more information, visit the Alfond Youth & Community Center website.

Room and Board Options

All meals and lodging are available at the College for an additional $2,100 for the full course (five weeks), a fee that also covers campus recreational facilities and the lobster bake. A $750 deposit is required to register. Payment in full is due by June 5, 2020. The weekly rate is $460.

2020 Housing Rates:

Course Attendee: $2100 Full Program or 460/Week

Spouse/Adult 18+: $275/Week

Children Ages 3-17: $250/Week

Children Under 3: No Charge

Lobster Bake: $40/plate additional meals can be purchased when you register

*Please note that only registered adults 18 and older will be provided a full meal option of lobster steak or vegetarian at the lobster bake reception. Kids 17 and under will be served hot dogs and sides off the buffet unless an additional lobster bake meal is purchased for them.

Questions about Housing

Office of Special Programs
207-859-4730
[email protected]

The Course

For nearly 75 years, Colby College has been home to the Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology. Set in Maine, the campus offers a quiet and safe setting for professional medical training. Maine is a beautiful and popular tourist destination: Visitors from around the world travel here to explore the iconic rocky coastline, pristine forests and magnificent mountains. Colby College is centrally located in Maine, which makes it easy for guests to travel to popular tourist destinations.

 

Colby College

The beautiful campus is small and pedestrian-friendly, which makes it easy for guests to get around. We offer affordable campus housing in our dorms and Lancaster participants are grouped together in a dorm to encourage socializing and maximize networking opportunities. Meals are served in an air-conditioned dining hall with an extensive series of food stations that offer a wide variety of menu items. All meals are self-served and guests are welcome to return for unlimited portions. All Lancaster guests are invited to participate in a traditional Maine lobster bake on campus, which is one of the highlights of the program.

While on campus, guests may visit the Colby College Museum of Art and work out at the campus athletic center (both free of charge). In addition, Colby is home to the Atlantic Music Festival (AMF) and Lancaster guests are welcome to attend the AMF concerts throughout the summer. On weekends, the campus pub is open for guests to enjoy. Colby College will schedule periodic social activities on campus for Lancaster guests to enjoy.

Maine

During the weekends, guests are encouraged to get out and explore. You can easily drive to the coast to visit the many quaint towns, rocky coastlines, and iconic lighthouses. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are particularly beautiful and popular destinations on the coast. Maine is a hiker’s paradise and guests may also explore the many forests and hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail that ends at Mt. Katahdin. If you enjoy boating or water sports, there are many lakes and rivers near campus (not to mention the ocean on the coast) for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.