The University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences continues to be recognized as one of the top ophthalmology programs in the nation, earning high marks in both clinical excellence and residency training.

In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, the department was ranked No. 6 in the country for ophthalmology care. This recognition reflects the department’s long-standing commitment to providing world-class eye care, advancing vision research, and delivering outstanding patient outcomes. It also underscores the reputation the department has built as a national referral center for complex ophthalmic cases.

Adding to this recognition, the department’s residency training program was recently ranked No. 3 in the nation by Doximity’s Residency Navigator, a ranking platform based on peer nominations and feedback from current and former residents across the country. The top ranking highlights the department’s dedication to education, mentorship, and hands-on surgical training—hallmarks of the Iowa experience that prepare its graduates to become leaders in academic and clinical ophthalmology.

These achievements are a testament to the department’s exceptional faculty, trainees, researchers, and staff who uphold a nearly 100-year tradition of excellence in eye care. As the department approaches its centennial anniversary, it continues to lead the way in clinical innovation, scientific discovery, and resident education.