Ophthalmology Residency Program

1. Applicants must hold a medical degree from an eligible medical school.
2. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, medical school performance, and clinical rotation evaluations.
3. Applicants should demonstrate academic potential and a clear commitment to ophthalmology through clinical electives, research, publications, volunteer activities, or related experiences.
4. Applicants must submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation through the designated application service.
5. All applicants, including domestic and international graduates, must obtain a Postgraduate Training License (PTL) from the Medical Board of California before starting the first postgraduate year of internship.
6. International applicants who are not United States citizens must meet the program's J-1 visa requirements.

The Ophthalmology Residency Program at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego), School of Medicine, provides comprehensive postgraduate training in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of eye diseases and visual disorders. The four-year training pathway includes a preliminary internship year followed by three years of specialized ophthalmology training, with clinical rotations, surgical experience, subspecialty exposure, and opportunities for research. Residents develop skills in managing conditions affecting the cornea, retina, glaucoma, and other areas of eye care while learning to provide evidence-based, patient-centered treatment. The University of California San Diego is a public research university located in San Diego, California, recognized for its academic programs and scientific research. Its School of Medicine emphasizes clinical excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through training at affiliated clinical facilities, including the Shiley Eye Institute, residents gain experience caring for diverse patient populations and preparing for independent ophthalmology practice or further subspecialty fellowship training.

1. Apply through the Central Application Service (CAS) provided by the San Francisco Matching Program (SF Match).
2. Submit the required application materials through the matching service.
3. Include academic records, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, clinical rotation evaluations, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
4. Provide any additional supporting documents to the program manager at shiley-residency@health.ucsd.edu or rkaustin@health.ucsd.edu, if needed.
5. The residency selection committee reviews academic credentials, clinical performance, commitment to ophthalmology, academic potential, personal statement, and recommendation letters.
6. Attend an interview if invited. Interviews are generally conducted in late November or early December, with dates determined annually.
7. Participate in the San Francisco Match process and submit the rank list according to its instructions.
8. If matched, obtain the required California Postgraduate Training License and complete the necessary onboarding requirements before beginning residency.