A Web-based Review of Global Training in United States Ophthalmology Residency Programs

Purpose: To review the currently publicly available information on global ophthalmology experiences during residency training. Methods: All 122 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–approved ophthalmology residency programs’ websites were evaluated. Results: Of the 122 ophthalmology residency programs, 30 (25%) list global ophthalmology experiences on their websites. Of these 30, 21 (80%) offer electives and 12 (40%) list the experiences as a mix of clinical and surgical exposure. One-third of these programs 2 weeks or less in length; one-third of programs do not list the duration of the experience. In total, 21 programs (80%) work with partner organizations to travel to multiple countries across the world, with India being the most listed destination. These global experiences are publicly offered to senior residents for 18 programs (60%). Only 6 programs (20%) list formal curricula. Only 10 (33.3%) list funding availability for their international experience. Conclusion: Only a quarter of ophthalmology residency programs currently list an international experience for their residents, most commonly an optional 2-week elective for senior residents.