Residency Training

The Ophthalmology residency program at IU School of Medicine was founded in 1908 and is a three-year ACGME-accredited program that provides excellent educational experience across clinical and surgical subspecialties of ophthalmology. Residents enjoy increasing levels of responsibility within the field as they progress through the program. Six positions are offered annually for the ophthalmology residency program, and appointees must have completed at least one post-graduate year of training.

Ophthalmology residents are responsible for the examination and evaluation of clinic patients in a diverse range of settings, as well as the pre- and post-operative management of surgical patients. They also assist with procedures, studies and interpretations, including computerized visual fields, diagnostic ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, fundus and slit-lamp photography, tonography and the full spectrum of electrophysiologic studies. All residents become well-trained in all aspects of ophthalmic surgeries, including laser surgery.

Residency at Indiana University

Medical students who are considering an ophthalmology residency in Indianapolis can find more information about IU School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, including details on stipends, benefits, policies and more.

Office of GME

Why IU

Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Elective Program

IU School of Medicine is working to diversify the workforce by graduating more physicians from underrepresented groups and ensuring that all trainees are prepared to provide culturally competent care for patients from all walks of life. The Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Elective Program, sponsored by Faculty Affairs, Professional Development, and Diversity (FAPDD), supports fourth year medical students and qualified third year medical students attending a U.S. medical school including U.S. territories, from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine.
This program is designed to increase awareness of opportunities in academic medicine, and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to apply to IU School of Medicine's residency programs.

Learn more about the Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Elective Program

Program Highlights

IU School of Medicine has the only ophthalmology residency program in the state of Indiana
Approximately 40 percent of IU School of Medicine trainees stay in Indiana to practice
Approximately 50 percent of department trainees go on to do a fellowship
We have trained more than 500 residents and fellows
Residents receive training in a variety of settings, including the VA, a university hospital, a county hospital, a children’s hospital and in private practice.
Residents are supported with time and funding to pursue experiences in international ophthalmology with Orbis International.
Indianapolis is home to 11 professional sports teams, including the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers, and hosts the Indianapolis 500 each May, which is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest children’s museum.

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Admission Requirements

Current medical students and/or medical school graduates interested in applying to the Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program must do so through the SF Match website. All required supporting documentation must be submitted in order to be considered for an interview. Supporting documentation includes a completed application, an official undergraduate transcript, an official medical school transcript and three letters of recommendation.

In addition, non-U.S. medical graduates must provide an ECFMG Certificate, proof of U.S. clinical experience, three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a preceptor during their U.S. training.

Committed to Diversity and Inclusion

At IU School of Medicine, the commitment to diversity includes race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, religion, socio-economic status, age, geography of origin and residence, sexual orientation, disability, work style and other aspects of human attributes and behaviors. Like the school, the Department of Ophthalmology recruits talented trainees, faculty and staff from various backgrounds with focused efforts toward identified diversity categories. The department is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters inclusion throughout, and all faculty members and staff who participate in hiring interviews must undergo unconscious bias and equity training.

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