Path to an Ophthalmology Residency

Physicians’ Perspectives

Program directors, chairs and private practice physicians share what students need to do to be successful in matching with a program.

Residents’ Perspectives

Residents share what they found most important when applying through SF Match for residency.

Support and Early Exposure

Residents share how obtaining support from ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents, as well as gaining early exposure to the field of ophthalmology is beneficial.

Research and Community Projects

Drs. Keith D. Carter, Prithvi S. Sankar, Mildred M.G. Olivier, Paul P. Lee, Louis B. Cantor and Paul A. Sieving discuss how completing research and/or community projects are key to being a competitive residency applicant.

Engagement and Passion  

Drs. David W. Parke III, Rukshana G. Mirza, Robert F. Melendez and Russell N. Van Gelder share how being engaged and passionate about what you do and your patients is vital to being a doctor, but also to being a competitive applicant.

Connect with an Ophthalmologist

Having the support of an ophthalmology can make all the different. Drs. Peter A. Quiros, Stephen McLeod, Susan H. Forster, Katrina Chin Loy, Russell N. Van Gelder, O’Rese J. Knight, Robert Melendez and Lisa Kelly discuss why you need to identify a mentor and make connections.

Your Personal Story

Drs. Oscar Cruz, Paul P. Lee and Robert F. Melendez discuss the need to have a unique personal story that sets you apart from other applicants.

Step 1 Preparation and Scores

Prepare, study, answer sample questions and repeat. Drs. Peter A. Quiros, Anju Goyal, Russell N. Van Gelder, Leslie Jones and O’Rese J. Knight share the importance of your Step 1 scores.

What to Do When You Don’t Match

Not everyone is successful in matching on their first try. Drs. O’Rese J. Knight, Leslie Jones, Terri L. Young, Paul P. Lee and Mildred M.G. Olivier share how if ophthalmology is your passion, don’t give up.