Ophthalmology Exposure for Medical Students in Institutions without a Home Ophthalmology Department: A Review of the Literature

Background: Matching into an ophthalmology residency program has become increasingly competitive, with a 66% overall match rate reported by the San Francisco Match in 2024. Early exposure to ophthalmology is critical for students to develop an interest in the field, build robust research experiences, and find mentors to create a competitive ophthalmology residency application. These experiences can often be difficult to acquire at institutions that lack an ophthalmology department. Such institutions face unique challenges in providing mentorship and exposure in this medical specialty, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to support interested students. Purpose: To assess ways a student without a home ophthalmology program can be exposed to ophthalmology while building a competitive residency application. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the medical literature from 2000 through 2024 on the topics of ophthalmology exposure and mentoring resources. Results: Virtual learning has proved an effective means for providing students with early exposure to ophthalmology. Service opportunities can also be implemented at programs without home institutions to foster hands-on experience in the field. Such opportunities include, for example, mobile eye clinics and vision screening events—programs can equip students with essential skills without direct involvement of an ophthalmology faculty. Connecting students with mentorship organizations, such as alumni networks within the institution and ophthalmology-specific mentorship organizations can help students get involved in early research and clinical opportunities. These relationships are vital for fostering research collaborations and securing recommendation letters. Conclusions: Institutions without ophthalmology departments can still prepare students for competitive residency applications by leveraging virtual learning, service opportunities, and mentorship programs. These strategies not only compensate for the lack of in-house resources but also provide valuable exposure to ophthalmology. Collectively, they increase the chances of students matching into ophthalmology residency programs.