Optometry Residency Programs

We offer two optometry residency training opportunities:

Our primary, hospital-based 1-year Ocular Disease Residency at the University of Chicago.
An additional partnered 2-year program in Ocular Disease & Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders with the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) (See below for details on the partnered program).

UChicago 1-Year Optometry Residency in Ocular Disease

Our hospital-based optometry residency aims to provide advanced clinical training in ocular disease diagnosis and management through patient care, education, and scholarship.

Personalized, Advanced Clinical Training

Train in a renowned, hospital-based environment with direct faculty mentorship. Customize your ophthalmology sub-specialty rotations—including cornea, retina, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatrics, and oculoplastics—to match your specific clinical interests and career goals.

Meaningful Hands-On Experience

Work closely with leading experts as you manage high-acuity, urgent, and complex cases. Residents progress from closely supervised training to increasing autonomy, preparing you for independent practice.

Exceptional Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team, partnering daily with ophthalmology residents, fellows, attendings, and sub-specialists in a dynamic academic medical center.

Teaching & Leadership Opportunities

Mentor and precept fourth-year optometry student externs. Sharpen your presentation skills through leading journal clubs, biweekly didactics, lectures, and case discussions—gaining real educational leadership experience.

Research, Scholarship & Professional Growth

Present your work at local and national conferences such as the American Academy of Optometry. Engage in clinical research, author a publishable case report, and apply for research grants.

Supportive Work-Life Balance

Enjoy a 40-hour workweek with on-call responsibilities limited to business hours only (after-hours and weekend call is completely optional). Residents receive 15 days of paid vacation, sick leave, conference leave, and a competitive salary with full medical/dental and liability coverage.

Unparalleled Academic Resources

Access the University of Chicago’s John Crerar Medical Sciences Library—over 1.4 million volumes and remote electronic access to leading ophthalmic journals.

Why Choose the University of Chicago?

Experience world-class patient care, academic excellence, and expansive sub-specialty exposure. Benefit from strong mentorship, transparent communication, and a proven track record of alumni success in competitive professional positions in academic medical centres and private practice.

Download Program Brochure (PDF)

How to Apply

One residency position is offered each year through the Optometry Residency Matching Service (ORMatch).
Program Start Date: July 1
ORMatch Program ID: #40514
Application Portal: NMS ORMatch System (register online to participate)
Application Deadline: January 15

Interview Dates and Timeline

Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, up to the deadline.
Interview Dates: Virtual interviews are conducted between late January and early February.
Submit your application as early as possible for priority consideration.
Letters of recommendation may be pending at the time of submission, but all must be received at least 72 hours before your interview date.

The Optometry Residency in Ocular Disease at the University of Chicago is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE):

243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 301, St. Louis, MO 63141

Website: www.theacoe.org

Email: accredit@theacoe.org

Phone: 1-800-365-2219

Dr. Steven C. Quan, OD, FAAO (Program Director)
E-mail: scquan@bsd.uchicago.edu

Additional Residency Opportunity

In addition to our primary one-year residency, we have partnered with the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) to offer a two-year residency in ocular disease and neuro-ophthalmic disorders.

Year 1: Training is based exclusively at the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), where residents gain a strong foundation in primary care and ocular disease management—including retina, glaucoma, and urgent care. Additional rotations are available in pediatrics, cornea/contact lens, and low vision.
Year 2: Focuses on neuro-ophthalmic disease, with rotations split between the Illinois Eye Institute and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Residents precept students in urgent care and neuro-ophthalmic clinics at IEI and rotate through consults/urgent care, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics/orbit, neurology, and neuroradiology at UChicago.

Important: This program is administered by ICO. For application instructions and program details, visit the ICO Residency Programs webpage.

For additional questions, you may contact Dr. Steven Quan at scquan@bsd.uchicago.edu.

ICO Program Brochure for the Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease Residency