Cross-Sectional Analysis of International Rotations Among Ophthalmology Residency Programs

Background: Applicants to ophthalmology residency programs have increasingly expressed interest in international surgical rotations. As such, ophthalmology residency program directors (PDs) have expanded international offerings to meet this desire but the true number of residency programs with international offerings is unknown. Methods: In February 2023, the official residency websites of all 125 accredited US-based ophthalmology residency programs were analyzed for any mention of international rotations. Websites were identified using a Google™ search by entering the program name and “ophthalmology residency.” All websites were surveyed for information regarding international rotations including the presence/absence of an international rotation and any additional information on the rotation provided including elective length, location, program year, and any other relevant information available. Results: Of the 125 accredited ophthalmology residency programs in the US, only 35% (n=44) mentioned an international rotation on their website. Of those, the majority sent residents abroad during later years of residency (postgraduate year three or four). Rotation length was variable with an average of two weeks (range one to eight weeks). The geographic location of international rotations included sites in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The most frequently listed country was India where 30% (n=13/44) of programs had an international rotation including several with connections to the Aravind Eye Care System. Conclusions: The majority of US-based, ACGME accredited ophthalmology residency programs do not mention international rotations on their official websites. Those that do tend to offer rotations to senior residents with India being the most common location. This study contrasts prior surveys which reported that a majority of programs offer or are developing international rotations. This discrepancy may exist because PDs with international rotations may be more likely to respond to surveys on this subject or residency program websites may not accurately reflect current initiatives.