The residency program in ophthalmology at Northwell Health provides an extensive and comprehensive three-year training experience for recent medical school graduates. The program is designed to cultivate highly skilled medical and surgical ophthalmologists through exposure to a diverse patient population, innovative faculty, and modern medical technologies.
The residency consists of two primary locations: Northwell Health Eye Institute in Great Neck, NY, and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Additional training sites include Queens Hospital Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, North Shore University Hospital, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, and Syosset Hospital, ensuring a robust and varied clinical experience across multiple environments 1.
Curriculum Overview
The residency program is structured as follows:
Intern Year (PGY-1)
The intern year comprises 9 months of rotations in internal medicine, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics, alongside other preliminary residents. The last three months integrate residents into early ophthalmology training 6.
First Year (PGY-2)
Residents focus on foundational skills such as patient history taking, ophthalmic examination techniques, and initial surgical experiences. This includes a 9-month rotation at Queens Hospital Center, where they manage comprehensive clinics and minor surgeries, complemented by a 3-month immersive experience at the Northwell Health Eye Institute and additional subspecialty exposure 6.
Second Year (PGY-3)
During the second year, residents enhance surgical skills in cataract surgery, intravitreal injections, and other office-based procedures while receiving further training in pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, and vitreo-retinal care. This year's rotations are instrumental in preparing residents for the more independent responsibilities of their final residency year 6.
Third Year (PGY-4)
The final year emphasizes advanced surgical techniques and leadership development. Residents engage in a substantial amount of clinic time and surgery across various specialties. Here, they take on significant surgical responsibilities, including cataract operations and assistive roles in complex ocular procedures 6.
Research Opportunities
Research forms an integral part of the residency, with opportunities for residents to collaborate with faculty on various projects. Residents are expected to present their research at annual events, facilitating essential skills in academic medicine and contributing to the ocular health literature 6.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The Northwell ophthalmology residency strives to develop leaders in the field through rigorous training and mentorship from accomplished faculty members. The program emphasizes innovation and provides residents with opportunities to engage in teaching and research, ensuring a well-rounded experience 1.
Application Requirements
Application to the program is through the Central Application Service (CAS) provided by the San Francisco Matching Program. Essential components of the application include:
- A completed CAS form
- USMLE transcripts
- Medical school transcripts
- A personal statement
- Three letters of reference
- ECFMG certificate if applicable
The program typically offers five positions annually and is known to be competitive, attracting a pool from both US and international medical graduates 2.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified foreign medical graduates. J-1 and H-1B visa types are commonly supported, catering to international applicants seeking residency positions in the United States 2.
Resident Life
Residents are offered a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, including access to essential medical and wellness resources, subsidized housing options, a conference stipend for professional developments, and opportunities for unlimited meeting attendance as presenters 4. The program fosters a supportive resident community through the Resident & Fellow Association, which organizes social events and wellness activities 4.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,465First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Great Neck, NY
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Great Neck, NY
- Crime Rate and Safety: Great Neck is known for being a safe community with a low crime rate. Residents generally feel secure in their surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Great Neck offers a variety of recreational activities such as parks, marinas, and cultural events. Residents can enjoy shopping and dining options in the area.
- Climate: Great Neck experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm summers. The area gets moderate rainfall throughout the year.
- Races and Population: Great Neck is a diverse community with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The population is relatively affluent and well-educated.
- Education: Great Neck is known for its excellent public schools and proximity to prestigious universities and colleges in the area.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Great Neck is higher than the national average, with expenses like housing and healthcare above average.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Great Neck is located approximately 20 miles from New York City, which can be reached in around 30-40 minutes by car depending on traffic. New York City offers endless entertainment, cultural attractions, and career opportunities.
- Pros: Safe community, diverse population, excellent schools, proximity to New York City.
- Cons: Higher cost of living compared to other areas, traffic congestion when commuting to nearby cities.
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