Overview of the Specialty
Ophthalmology deals with the structure, function, diagnosis and treatment of the eye and the visual system. It provides patients with total eye care using medical, surgical and rehabilitative services. Ophthalmologists typically work with a broad range of patients and usually over a long period of time.
At a Glance
Training
- 1 transitional/preliminary year
- 3 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
|---|---|
| Anterior Segemt Surgery | 1 year |
| Cornea/External Disease | 1 year |
| Glaucoma | 1 year |
| Neuro-ophthalmology | 1 year |
| Oculoplastics | 2 years |
| Ophthalmic Pathology | 1 year |
| Pediatric Ophthalmology | 1 year |
| Retina/Vitreous | 2 years |
| Uveitis/Immunology | 1 year |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $304,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $370,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Training Requirements
The length of training in ophthalmology must be at least three years. All applicants entering an ophthalmology training program must have taken a general postgraduate clinical year of training in a program accredited by the ACGME or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. There were 116 ophthalmology residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 465 advanced positions.
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Ophthalmology residency training programs participate in the Ophthalmology Matching Program through SF Match (sfmatch.org). Match results are summarized in the U.S. Match Statistics table below. The ophthalmology matching process is one of the “early match” programs: the matching process is generally completed in late-January (about six weeks prior to the NRMP).
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | High | Interm | High | Interm |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 465 | 461 | 460 | 461 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched* | 89% | 91% | 89% | 90% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/ Advanced Positions | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 51 | 41 | 49 | 45 |
Source: SF Match (sfmatch.org) Opthalmology Residency Match Report. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training following completion of an ophthalmology training program is available in cornea/external disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ophthalmic pathology, oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology, vitreoretinal disease, and uveitis/immunology. Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
- Ophthalmology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Susan M. Culican, MD, PhD | 362-5722 |
| Morton E. Smith, MD* | 747-5559 |
| John Lind, MD | 362-3857 |
| Arsham Sheybani, MD | 747-6554 |
*Faculty involved in the residency selection process.