Residency Training

The Duke University Residency Training Program in Ophthalmology is one of the most highly regarded ophthalmology programs in the nation. Its longstanding reputation comes from its association with an internationally renowned eye center, state-of-the-art facilities, a full range of clinical and surgical experiences and, most importantly, the sincere commitment of the faculty to resident education. The Duke program’s goal is to train highly competent and ethical physicians who can contribute to their field either as comprehensive ophthalmologists or as subspecialists.

Duke has been training excellent professionals in eye care since the 1940s and has graduated more than 300 ophthalmologists, with many going on to academic positions. The three-year residency program at Duke includes clinical rotations (which also provide hands-on surgical experience) in each of the subspecialty areas as well as in comprehensive ophthalmology and ophthalmic pathology. Residents also rotate through local Veterans Administration Hospitals. A broad spectrum of intradepartmental and university-wide research opportunities exists for interested residents.

The Department of Ophthalmology maintains a chief resident position, typically filled by a Duke residency graduate. The chief resident leads morning rounds on weekdays, providing a daily forum for discussion of challenging diagnostic problems, previous admissions, surgical management, and administrative issues.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Eye Center is the quality and breadth of the faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology. The full-time faculty consists of 43 clinicians (26 sub specialists covering all fields, six general and eleven researchers). These individuals are highly accomplished and productive academicians, and a number are considered leaders in their fields. Without exception, the faculty members enjoy teaching, and contribute their time and energy generously to the Residency Training Program.