A Day in the Life of an Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgeon

Have you ever heard of an oculoplastic surgeon before? And if so, ever wonder what they do or how they differ from plastic surgeons? Treating the periocular region requires an in-depth understanding not only of the eye, but also its complex interplay with adjacent orbital, sinus, and craniofacial anatomy; there is much more than meets the eye! The most common pathway to become an oculoplastic surgeon includes completion of a four-year ophthalmology residency, followed by one to two years of subspecialized oculoplastic fellowship. Oculoplastic fellowships provide surgical and medical experience managing pathology of the eyelid and orbit, and different programs may emphasize aesthetic, oncologic, pediatric, or reconstructive practice.1 I recently had the honor of speaking with Dr. Charlotte Marous, an oculoplastic and orbital surgeon at Wills Eye Hospital to learn more about her life in this diverse and interesting specialty.