Welcome to
The Real World of Ophthalmology
Everything You Need to Succeed in Early Practice.
Created by Dr. Lisa M. Nijm
RWO is where the world's foremost ophthalmology experts unite to illuminate your journey beyond training. Join us for engaging virtual meetings, enlightening podcasts and captivating in-person events- all FREE and crafted by physicians who've walked your journey.
Coming Up Next…
Join Dr. Lisa M. Nijm for an unforgettable evening of connection and insight in vibrant Miami! This special “On the Road” edition of Real World Ophthalmology brings together early-career ophthalmologists and leaders from across the field for a lively and interactive session — Mix, Mingle, and Master Negotiation. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to submit their real-world negotiation challenges for live coaching with Dr. Nijm, exploring strategies to strengthen communication, build confidence, and navigate career-defining moments. Space is limited, so sign up early to receive your invitation for this exclusive event!
RWO on the Road: Bringing the Heat to Miami!
THANK YOU to our 500+ RWO Members who attended RWO After Dark!
Friday, Oct 17 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET
"The Epcot of Ophthalmology”
Real World Ophthalmology hosted one of its most exciting evenings yet — RWO After Dark: The Epcot of Ophthalmology — a sold-out educational networking experience that brought together ophthalmologists, educators, and innovators from around the world.
Guests enjoyed hands-on demos of cutting-edge technology, small-group discussions with experienced physician mentors, and meet-the-faculty moments with leading educators. We celebrated our award winners, poster presenters and gave away some amazing prizes in our legendary raffle! The night was filled with laughter, learning, and connection — a true celebration of the Real World Ophthalmology spirit.
✨ Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night unforgettable!
Become a member of RWO today to be one of the first to sign up for our next RWO After Dark event!
🔥 RWO Fireside Chat on Jobs!🔥
Join us for a Real World discussion on navigating your first job — what to look for, red flags to avoid, and how to choose the practice type that fits you best. Connect in specialty-specific small groups and get insider advice from experienced mentors. Don’t miss one of RWO’s most highly rated events of the year!
✨ Join us later this year (Dec-Jan, exact date TBD) for our 2nd Annual Real World discussion on navigating your first job — what to look for, red flags to watch out for, and how to choose the best practice type for YOU!
This interactive session will feature small-group discussions organized by practice type and specialty, offering practical advice and candid mentorship from ophthalmologists who’ve been exactly where you are.
⭐ Don’t miss out — our Jobs Fireside Chat is one of RWO’s most highly rated and anticipated events of the year!
Thanks to everyone who joined us in October for Real World Ophthalmology’s 2nd Annual Mock Interview Event, helping applicants prepare for residency and fellowship interviews with confidence and skill. Participants gained real interview experience from our expert faculty and insider tips from recently matched residents and fellows — it was an incredible event and we wish all applicants this season the best!
THANK YOU to Everyone Who Attended
the World Showcase of
Ophthalmology!
Past Events
A Sincere Thank You to all of our keynote speakers for inspiring so many young ophthalmologists. Your invaluable insights, dedication, and passion have not only enlightened minds but also ignited a profound enthusiasm for the future of ophthalmology. Thank you for guiding the next generation of ophthalmology leaders.
RWO Hot Seat: “Ask Me Anything” with the CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: Dr. Stephen McLeod
RWO Fireside Chat with the Ultimate Researcher, Director of National Eye Institute: Dr. Micheal Chiang
RWO Mock Oral Board Review: Practice Like It's the Real Thing
Thurs, April 17 | 7:30– 9:00 PM CT
Get exam-ready with confidence at our RWO Mock Oral Board Review—a high-yield, interactive session designed By Physicians, For Physicians.
Whether it's your first time or a final tune-up, this focused evening event offers:
✅ Live mock oral simulations in small, specialty-specific breakout rooms
✅ Direct feedback from experienced faculty examiners
✅ Test-taking strategies that help you think on your feet
We will cover anterior segment, retina, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, peds, refractive, and more—the exact topics you’ll face on the boards.
Spots are limited and always fill fast. Don’t wait—register now and get board-ready.
Thank YOU to our 500+ incredible members who joined us at RWO After Dark!
We had a great time on the 33rd Floor of the W Hotel on Lakeshore!
Don’t worry we have NEW Career Specific Virtual Programs available all year around!
Sign up today so you don’t miss a thing!
Thank you for a Wonderful Year of RWO On the Road!
We concluded our year with incredible programs in Cincinnati and Lexington!
Thank you to UC Department of Ophthalmology and the Cincinnati Ophthalmology Society in Cincinnati, Ohio and
the Kentucky Eye Academy Physicians and Surgeons in Lexington, Kentucky for partnering with us!
Stay tuned to see where we go in 2025!
Want RWO to visit you? Let us know!
Did we mention it’s all FREE?!
And that’s not all! We host online events tailored to different aspects of your career needs throughout the year.
Our curated content addresses the concerns that matter to you most- from learning new clinical innovations to increasing your business acumen to enhancing your professional development— we are coming together to help you achieve earlier success in practice.
We have all been where you are now. You can’t learn everything about the real world of ophthalmology in residency. As fellow physicians, we rely on each other to get through the real world challenges of being in practice. Real World Ophthalmology is here to help ease your way. From navigating the job hunt, mastering new technologies, understanding billing and coding, dealing with complications, avoiding burnout and more, we are here to share our knowledge on all and help make your journey easier.
I loved all the talks that reviewed core clinical ophthalmology, being able to hear from such a diverse and expert panel of speakers and moderators, and the ability to reconnect with mentors and colleagues through this virtual platform.
Attendee - Virtual Meeting, Spring 2023
The very relevant high yield topics, and the interaction with other participants and leaders. It was right mix of formality and informality to keep it engaging, and accessible. It's fun and very informative
Attendee - Virtual Meeting, Spring 2023
Real World Ophthalmology Podcast
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Subscribe to the RWO Podcast – your gateway to invaluable insights in the Real World of ophthalmology! In the first season, we hosted world-class leaders and experts in the field and talked about the most requested topics for Young Ophthalmologists! Our second season is in production and will be released soon!
Available on Apple Podcast, Castbox and Spotify.
Stay connected with us on social media!
Don’t miss out on the action! Connect with us on your favorite social media channel to experience a wealth of daily tips, pearls of wisdom, and the freshest updates from RWO!
The Real World Ophthalmology is an exciting educational resource created by Dr. Lisa M. Nijm and dedicated to helping young ophthalmologists succeed in early practice.
With curated content developed for real life questions, this bi-annual virtual meeting complemented by in person events provides young ophthalmologists with time sensitive, real world insight and pearls of wisdom to get a head start in their careers.