Since 2018, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) have partnered up to increase diversity in ophthalmology by helping students who are underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants. Thus far, 198 students have benefited from across the country. Your students could be next.
One of the many hurdles for URiM students is not only getting into medical school, but also the financial aspect of education and training. The program is FREE of charge due to the generous donations made from our Sponsors and Private Donors who want to see more minority representation in ophthalmology.
Student Benefits
With the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program, your students can benefit from:
- One-on-one mentorship from an ophthalmologist.
- Support for academic and career development from a network of ophthalmologists.
- Hands-on experience with ophthalmic technology at the Academy’s annual meeting.
- Programs and learning opportunities addressing a variety of topics (e.g., imposter syndrome, exam prep, global ophthalmology).
- Full access to Academy online education materials.
- A dedicated community for students and mentors.
- Exam prep materials (e.g., First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, QBanks, UWorld self-assessments).
Student Successes
Students in our program have matched into top-ranked ophthalmology residency programs, like the following, among many others:
- Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA
- Duke University Eye Center
- Emory University Eye Center
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan
Join Us
Request more information and cultivate the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Coming Soon
We are proud to announce an upcoming state-level program with the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. Additional grants will be awarded to students in Minnesota for the costs of travel to the Academy’s annual meeting and for interviews or application costs for residency.