Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Ophthalmology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring ophthalmologist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Ophthalmology
Step 2: Review Ophthalmology Match Data
Ophthalmology is a highly competitive specialty. In the 2024 match, 25% of US allopathic seniors failed to match. The failure to match rate was much higher for other groups, reaching 68% in US osteopathic seniors and 66% in IMGs.
Ophthalmology does not participate in the NRMP, and instead uses the San Francisco Matching Program. Applicants should note that it is an earlier match. Typically, applications are submitted at the end of August or beginning of September, interviews are conducted between late October and late December, and match results are released in early February. Also of note, ophthalmology does not participate in ERAS but accepts applications through the Central Application Service.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We receive more than 400 applications each year and invite approximately 50 applicants for a personal interview," writes the Department of Ophthalmology at VCU.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in ophthalmology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
Check out these recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the ophthalmology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition.
This book will empower you to become a stronger ophthalmology residency applicant. Inside, you'll find answers to the following questions and much more:
-
Only 23% of program directors grant automatic interviews to students completing away or audition electives in ophthalmology. What can you do to significantly improve your odds of securing an interview from an away rotation experience?
-
What should your signaling strategy be in ophthalmology?
-
How can you emphasize fit in a convincing way during the ophthalmology residency interview?
For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update below.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.