Specialty Choice: Ophthalmology

Q: What particular activities should first and second year students get involved with who are interested in pursuing this specialty?

Early shadowing is beneficial to gain more clinical exposure. Join the Ophthalmology Interest Group.

Q: Are research experiences important in your specialty?

Not technically required, but applicants in this field have a high number of research experiences compared to others, so research is strongly recommended.

Q: If so, do these need to be specialty specific research experiences?

Any research experience is better than no research experience, but generally plastics or surgical research is preferred.

Q: Does class rank matter?

Yes. AOA status can weigh heavily in your favor for this competitive specialty.

Q: When should I ask for letters of recommendation (LORs)?

Ideally you should ask for letters in May but absolutely no later than July, allowing your letter writers adequate time to upload your letter prior to the ERAS application submission date of Sept. 15. Your personal statement and CV should be ready as well as many letter writers will request this in order to write you a strong letter.

Q: How many LORs do you need?

Three.

Q: Is a letter from a chair required?

No.

Q: Do all letters need to be written by members of this specialty?

No, but at least two or three letters should be from people in the field.

Q: Do any letters need to be written by external institutions?

Obtain a letter from your away programs if you feel you performed well during them.

Q: Does your Step 2 CK score matter?

A high Step 2 CK score can help make you more competitive.

Q: What electives would you recommend for someone who is interested in pursuing this specialty?

Participate in an ophthalmology elective in the beginning of fourth year to obtain a letter of recommendation. Other good electives can include ENT, Plastics, Dermatology, Infectious Disease, Cardiology and Pulmonology.

Q: Should a student interested in this specialty do away rotations?

This is an individual decision based on your goals, but is not recommended by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.

Q: If so, how many “aways” do you recommend and when should they be completed?

An away rotation may need to be done, prior to interviews, if you need a letter of recommendation.

Q: Which month is recommended to take off to interview?

Most interviews are in October- December.

• Other surgical residencies
• Internal medicine

• Length of program: Three years plus one-year internship
• Number of accredited programs: 116
• Transitional year needed: Yes, you will need to apply for an intern position in Internal Medicine

• Oculoplastics
• Retina
• Pediatrics
• Neuro-Ophtho
• Glaucoma
• Ocular Pathology