Register with and apply through the Central Application Service of the Ophthalmology Matching Program:

Ophthalmology Matching Program
Phone: 415-447-0350
FAX: 415-561-8535
Web Site: http://www.sfmatch.org

Deadlines

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

Applications must have been received by: September 15, 2025. (Please allow adequate time for document updating by the SF Match Computer system.)

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.

Foreign Applicants

For information regarding policies as well as Visa questions, please contact the Graduate Medical Education Office. Although most of our residency applicants have graduated from LCME-accredited medical schools, we review all applications to our program.

Graduate Medical Education Office
C123-GH
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 
Phone: 319-356-2256 
Email: gmeoffice@uiowa.edu

 

Interview Process

We interview about 60 candidates for six positions beginning in November and early December each year.

What should I expect on interview day?

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

2025 Interview Dates

  • November 3
  • November 7
  • November 11

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 PGY-1 year in compliance of ACGME guidelines 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

Resources

Information Regarding Policies

  1. For Prospective Residents