Residency Eligibility Criteria

U.S. Medical School Graduates

• Passing USMLE scores with no previous failures. While USMLE Step 1 scores are only part of our review, we rarely interview candidates with scores less than 220.
• At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through the Ophthalmology Match.
• There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in ophthalmology and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
• History of research (not necessarily in the field of ophthalmology)
• Commitment to public service and teaching
• Prior to appointment in Ophthalmology, all residents must have successfully completed a post-graduate clinical year (PGY-1) in our ACGME-accredited program at The University of Iowa. 

International Medical School Graduates

• Rarely we have taken international graduates into our program
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores of at least 240 on first attempt. Both scores must be available before you can be considered for an interview.
• Passing grade on the CSA or USMLE Step 2 CS on the first attempt.
• Medical school graduation date of 2008 or later.
• Previous ophthalmology residency experiences, observership or clinical experience in the US is strongly preferred.
• Previous degree in U.S., eg. PhD, MPH is desirable.
• At least 3 letters of recommendation, Dean’s letter, medical school transcript, personal statement and photograph sent through the Ophthalmology Match.
• There are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in training in our program and argue for why you would be a good candidate.
• Appropriate medical education to train in a large U.S. teaching hospital.
• History of research (not necessarily in the field of ophthalmology)
• Commitment to public service and teaching
• Prior to appointment in Ophthalmology, all residents must have successfully completed a post-graduate clinical year (PGY-1) in our ACGME-accredited program at The University of Iowa. 
• We sponsor J-1 Visas.

We accept applications only through the San Francisco Match.

• 2017 Ophthalmology Residency Match Summary Report

American Board of Ophthalmology Certification

American Board of Ophthalmology Certification

The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) was the first medical specialty board founded in the United States. It awards the only medical specialty certificate in ophthalmology recognized by both the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

Certification of individuals trained in Ophthalmology is provided by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). To be eligible for examination you must have satisfactorily completed 12 months of broad clinical training (PGY-1) and a formal residency training program in Ophthalmology of at least 36 months (some programs require 48 months). All training must be in accredited programs in the U.S. or in Canada. It is possible that a State Licensing Board will give you credit for foreign training, whereas the ABO will not. You should check with the ABO about this before you enter the match or start your training.

The Board Certification process must be completed not more than 6 years after your training. All Certificates require completion of a designated renewal program every 10 years.

Additional information about ABO Certification may be found at the Board's website

Deadline

Ophthalmology is considered an "early match" specialty due to the annual January match. Consequently, the decision to pursue ophthalmology must be made earlier than most specialties

Applications must have been received by Oct. 6, 2023. (Please allow adequate time for document updating by the SF Match Computer system.)

We will be holding interviews on the following dates:
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

PLEASE NOTE: To begin the joint internship, you must be available and licensed in Iowa by June 24.

We will interview about 60 candidates for six positions beginning in late November and early December.

Interview Dates

• Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
• Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
• Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

What should I expect on the interview day?

When you are invited to interview you will receive more information by email regarding the interview day and schedule.