University of Colorado Program

The ophthalmology residency program at the University of Colorado focuses on the development of outstanding clinical and surgical skills. The resident experience is both broad and deep, with extensive exposure to the evaluation and management of both common and rare ophthalmic diseases. Residents' growth is assisted by faculty dedicated to resident education, cutting-edge research programs, teaching sessions that build a solid fund of knowledge, and busy clinic settings that balance autonomy and oversight. At the end of the program, residents have a foundation that allows them to become highly competent leaders.

After the initial intern year in partnership with the University of Colorado Department of Internal Medicine, residents complete three years of ophthalmology training. They attend science lectures and journal clubs led by faculty, enhancing their fund of knowledge and critical literature review abilities. Weekly clinical conferences provide experience presenting cases and exposure to various disease management approaches. Organized wet labs guided by faculty allow residents to hone their surgical skills before working on live patients. As the only academic medical center for hundreds of miles, residents work at a range of university-affiliated hospitals, including a Veterans Affairs Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center. The high surgical volume and balanced clinical experience at these facilities provide an exceptional learning environment.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Residency Rotations

PGY-1

Incoming ophthalmology residents spend their first year as internal medicine interns. In addition to required rotations on internal medicine wards, interns spend three rotations on ophthalmology to build the foundation for their future residency. These rotations include:

• Working alongside optometrists and low-vision specialists
• Refraction and slit lamp usage
• Inpatient consults and emergency department consultations
• Introduction to the operating room, including pre- and post-operative care

PGY-2 (First Year of Ophthalmology)

The focus of the second year is attaining basic clinical skills and the knowledge needed to manage ophthalmic pathology encountered regularly. Rotations include:

• Glaucoma (University of Colorado)
• Neuro-Ophthalmology (University of Colorado)
• Pediatrics and subspecialty rotations (between University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado)
• VA Clinic
• Denver Health Clinic

PGY-3 (Second Year of Ophthalmology)

This year includes a high volume of procedures, particularly in strabismus, oculoplastics, and retina, with residents performing cataract procedures as primary surgeons. Rotations include:

• Pediatrics (Children’s Hospital of Colorado)
• Oculoplastics and Retina (University of Colorado)
• Inpatient Consults and Ocular Pathology (University of Colorado)
• VA Clinic and OR (Veteran’s Affairs Hospital)
• Denver Health Clinic and OR

PGY-4 (Senior Year)

The third year is intense and focused on surgeries, including cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and oculoplastics. Senior residents serve as consultants for junior residents. Rotations include:

• Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery
• Subspecialty Refresher (University of Colorado)
• VA Clinic and OR
• Denver Health Clinic and OR

Application Information

Training begins in July for six first-year residents. Appointments are made through the Ophthalmology Residency Matching Program via the SFMatch. Applicants must hold a Colorado Medical License and meet the following requirements by the residency appointment date:

• Graduation from an LCME-accredited medical school in the U.S. or Canada
• Satisfactory completion of a PGY-1 internship year
• Satisfactory completion of the USMLE, Part 3

International medical graduates may be considered if they can obtain a physician license from the Colorado Medical Board. The program is competitive and invites applications from diverse backgrounds, including graduates from U.S. and Caribbean medical schools.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support, including the sponsorship of J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants. The details regarding the type of visa to be sponsored will be handled during the application process.

Research Opportunities

Residents have access to various research opportunities, working alongside faculty involved in cutting-edge ophthalmic research. Involvement in hypothesis-driven projects is encouraged, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Colorado residency program offers the unique opportunity to work in multiple academic and clinical settings, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and a wide range of clinical challenges. The program emphasizes the importance of surgical skills and provides access to well-equipped facilities for training, including advanced technologies and wet labs designed for skill advancement.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, welcoming both MD and DO students as well as international medical graduates. The comprehensive training prepares residents for various career paths in ophthalmology, whether in academic or private practice settings.