Networking Scripts for Shy Young Ophthalmologists

Have you ever found it difficult to network? Being shy or socially challenged shouldn't stop you from making connections during trainings, conferences, or even when hanging out with your colleague ophthalmologists.

You want a clear goal when you speak. You approach someone. You introduce yourself. You ask one focused question. You close the conversation with a specific request.

Scripts for Approaching Faculty and Key Opinion Leaders

Faculty appreciate focused questions. Use simple introductions.

Hi. I am a resident from Sofia. I liked your talk on microinvasive glaucoma treatment. What training resource do you recommend for someone starting MIGS?

Hello. I am preparing for my board exam later this year. Your session helped me understand the anterior angle anatomy. Can you suggest any additional resources for me?

Hi. Thank you for the talk. I want to improve my slit lamp examination skills when looking at the cornea. What is the most common mistake you see in your trainees?

Scripts for Approaching Industry Representatives

Industry conversations help you learn about devices, instruments and training opportunities.

Hi. I am an ophthalmology resident. I want to understand how this device works, can you please explain. What clinical scenario is it used for?

Hello. I am starting with glaucoma surgeries and want to have more information about your product. Do you have sample videos or manuals for me? Do you offer dry lab training during the conference or is there a possibility for me to visit one of your training facilities?

Hi. What training options do you provide during the year for young ophthalmologists?

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Scripts for Approaching Other Residents

Your peers are valuable contacts. They know your challenges. They often share tips. Connect with as many of them as possible - this will scale the amount of information that you receive for new training opportunities, meetings and resources for your level.

Hi. I just graduated residency and I am a first year specialist from Germany. Where do you train? What cases do you get the most exposure to?

Hello. How do have a wet lab station in your hospital? I want to build one in my institution. Can you give me more information on how does it work and what type of equipment you have there? Do you follow a training plan or a practice routine?

Hi. Are you in training too? Which resources do you use to learn from in your first year?

Scripts for Asking for Mentorship

A clear, small request works best.

I want to improve my cataract surgery skills. I am recording all of my cases. Is it possible for me to send you one to two cases per month for feedback? It would help me a lot.

I'm preparing for the EBO exam. I need some guidence regarding to the MCQ part. Can we schedule one short call next month?

I'm trying to choose a fellowship in surgiacal retina. Can you point me to one or two people I should speak with?

When asking for mentorship advice, be precise, approach the right people and be very specific. Mentors get approached all of the time, and saying that you want to be better is not going to cut it. Make sure to have done your research beforehand - what is the mentor's subspeciality, what is he passionate about and try to be respectful for their time.

Scripts for Following Up

End every conversation with a next step. Keep it simple.

Thank you. Can I message you on WhatsApp/LinkedIn to ask more questions if they arise?

This helped me. Can I email you for the resource you mentioned?

Thanks for your time. Can we stay in contact for future training events? Lets exchange contacts!

RELATED: Mistakes YOs Make During Conferences

How to Use These Scripts?

Speak slowly. Keep eye contact for one second, then relax. Focus on one question and avoid long stories.

Leave when your question is answered. Most conversations during networking last under two minutes.

Data from conference surveys show stronger long-term connections when attendees prepare short scripts before the event. Preparation reduces anxiety and increases useful contacts. That's especially true for shy or introverted ophthalmologists.

Take these scripts to your next meeting. Pick three. Practice them once. Use them during the first coffee break. You will feel more confident and get more connections and more value from every event.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Atanas Bogoev, M.D., FEBO is a consultant ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and co-founder of Ophthalmology24. Atanas has trained internationally, attending courses at Harvard Medical School, Oftalmo University, and completing observerships such as the GAASS program in Toronto. He combines surgical experience with a passion for education, translating surgical best practices and clinical learning into accessible resources.

Maria Bogoeva is a medical writer with over 11 years of experience in copywriting and content strategy. She’s the founder of Ophthalmology24, where she leads the creation of clear, practical, and medically accurate content for ophthalmologists and patients. Her mission: make ophthalmology education more accessible and engaging worldwide.