The Ophthalmology Residency Program at The Ohio State University is designed to prepare residents for a diverse career in ophthalmology through a comprehensive curriculum, substantial surgical exposure, and opportunities for research. The program aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable ophthalmologists capable of functioning effectively in various clinical settings.
Program Overview
The residency program at Ohio State is a three-year, milestones-based curriculum, accommodating a cohort of six residents per year. The program features a high faculty-to-resident ratio, ensuring personalized educational experiences across all ophthalmology subspecialties, including cornea, retina, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology, and more. Each resident can expect extensive clinical and surgical exposure throughout the entirety of their training.
1Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (PGY-1)
The first year consists of a preliminary internal medicine internship at Ohio State, where residents participate in comprehensive ward rotations, undergo clinical training in ophthalmology, and engage in intensive didactics focused on fundamental ophthalmic knowledge and skills. Residents will complete blocks of preparatory ophthalmology training during this year to familiarize themselves with care aspects before transitioning into PGY-2.
3Year 2 (PGY-2)
The second year emphasizes subspecialty training, allowing residents to take on increased responsibility in managing simple to moderately complex ophthalmic conditions. Residents will rotate through various subspecialty clinics such as glaucoma, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatrics, enhancing their surgical skills through both supervised and independent practice.
4Year 3 (PGY-3)
The third year offers residents increased autonomy and surgical responsibility, enabling them to perform a wider range of surgeries, including cataract operations and laser procedures. These experiences are designed to develop both technical and clinical skills to prepare residents for post-graduation fellowships or practice.
5Year 4 (PGY-4)
In the final year, residents culminate their training through elective rotations and assume leadership roles in managing patient care in various clinical and surgical settings. This year aims to instill a sense of independence and confidence necessary for future practice.
6Rotations and Training Sites
The primary training site for the residency is the OSU Eye & Ear Institute, complemented by rotations at several affiliate locations:
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Provides rich pediatric ophthalmology experience.
- Dayton VA Hospital – Offers opportunities for working with veterans and understanding a diverse patient population.
- Columbus VA Outpatient Clinic – Another important site for patient care and consultation.
- The Eye Center of Columbus – Round out the residents' clinical training through various subspecialties.
Research Opportunities
Research plays an essential role in the development of residents at Ohio State. Each resident is required to engage in an independent research project annually, presenting findings at the departmental research symposium. Through this experience, residents learn to formulate hypotheses and develop research methodologies with support from faculty mentors, often leading to presentations at national conferences.
1Unique Aspects of the Program
The program emphasizes a supportive learning environment fostered by strong faculty involvement and rich peer collaboration. Key unique aspects include:
- Work-Related Apparel – Residents receive embroidered scrub uniforms and jackets, enhancing professional appearance.
- Educational Fund – An annual stipend for purchasing educational materials such as textbooks or attending conferences.
- Publication Incentives – Financial awards for research publications, encouraging scholarly activity.
- Access to State-of-the-Art Facilities – Residents utilize advanced technologies, including surgical simulators and specialized ophthalmic equipment, facilitating top-notch training.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Ohio State Ophthalmology Residency Program is known for its competitive nature, with a rigorous selection process that favors strong academic and clinical performance. Specific application requirements include:
- Completion of a one-year internal medicine internship at Ohio State.
- Successful completion of Steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE.
- Robust research background, particularly favorable if candidates have already engaged in research activities during medical school.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support for eligible international medical graduates, typically sponsoring J-1 visas. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship must ensure their eligibility for this type of visa prior to applying.
1Benefits and Support
Residents enjoy comprehensive benefits as university employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous vacation time allotted for rest and educational conferences. Specifically, residents receive 20 days of leave each academic year, inclusive of vacation and conference-related absence.
1Website
Director
Andrew J Hendershot, MDProgram Director, Professor Appointed Since July 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
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-Training
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Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
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-Location
Columbus, OH
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Columbus, OH
- Crime Rate and Safety: Columbus, OH, has a moderate crime rate but like any city, certain neighborhoods may have higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research specific areas for safety.
- Fun Activities: Columbus offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, numerous parks, museums, shopping districts, and various dining options. The city is also home to professional sports teams and hosts several annual festivals and events.
- Climate: Columbus experiences all four seasons, with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and fall seasons. Be prepared for both snow in winter and high humidity in summer.
- Races and Population: Columbus is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. It is also the most populous city in Ohio and the 14th most populated city in the U.S.
- Education: Columbus is home to several higher education institutions, including The Ohio State University, known for its medical programs and research opportunities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Columbus is lower than the national average, making it an affordable city to live in compared to other major metropolitan areas.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Columbus is within driving distance to other major cities like Cincinnati (about 1.5 hours), Cleveland (about 2 hours), and Pittsburgh (about 3 hours).
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse cultural offerings, strong education opportunities, and proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Some areas may have higher crime rates, weather can be extreme in winter and summer.
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