Ophthalmology residency in the United States typically lasts a total of four years after medical school. This includes:
- A one-year internship or transitional year, which involves general medical training.
- Followed by a three-year residency specifically in ophthalmology, focusing on medical and surgical eye care
During the three years of ophthalmology residency, residents gain comprehensive training in various subspecialties of ophthalmology, including clinical and surgical skills. The training prepares residents to independently provide high-quality ophthalmic care by the end of the third year
. Some programs, such as in Canada (e.g., University of British Columbia), have a five-year ophthalmology residency structure, but in the U.S., the standard is four years total (1 year internship + 3 years ophthalmology residency)
. In summary:
- 1 year general internship or preliminary year
- 3 years ophthalmology residency
Total duration: 4 years post-medical school
