Residency Programs

Completing a residency in optometry is a unique and invaluable experience! The rich rewards gained from the year of advanced clinical training under an experienced mentor serve to enhance career opportunities and add to the level of confidence the resident has when beginning his/her post-residency career. Applying for a residency position is an easy process through the Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch).

The Optometry Residency Process
Part 1 – Why Do a Residency
Part 2 – Navigating the Residency Application and Interview Process
Part 3 – Strategies To Ranking Your Choices

Q&A with ASCO Residency Directors

General Residency FAQs Part I – Dr. Judy Tong, SCCO-MBKU
General Residency FAQs Part II – Dr. Anna Bedwell, IUSO
How is a Residency Different from Fourth-Year External Rotations – Dr. Caroline Pate, UABSO
How Time Intensive is a Residency Program – Dr. Beth Harper, UCO
Who Should I Ask to Write my Letters of Recommendation – Dr. Caroline Pate, UABSO
How Do I Stand Out During the Interview Process – Dr. Beth Harper, UHCO
Loans During Residency – Dr. Beth Harper, UHCO

2026 OPEN Residency Positions Brochures

For the most up to date list of OPEN positions, please visit the ORMatch website.

2025-2026 Residency Virtual Information Sessions by the Schools and Colleges

Chicago College of Optometry – December 29, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
Pacific University College of Optometry – December 16, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
New England College of Optometry (OD/MD affiliate programs) – December 16, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
New England College of Optometry (VA programs) – December 10, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry – December 10, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus – November 20, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
Illinois College of Optometry – November 19, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)
NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry – September 30, 2025 (click on calendar link above for details)

General Information about Residency Programs

Residency Directories

Residency Directory (provides the specific details of all the residency programs included in ORMatch)
Optometry Resident Directory (network directory that gives you an opportunity to contact current and past residents with your questions)

Other Helpful Resources about Residencies

Trends in Residency Education (ORMatch Statistics and Residency Applicant Trends)
Number of Residents at Each Institution and Description of Affiliated Programs
Race/Ethnicity of Residents in AY 2024-2025
Residency Program Funding & Promotion Survey