Number of Applicants Applying for Residencies Jumps

February 26, 2013

Contact:
Kimberly O’Sullivan
Director of Communications
301.231.5944 ext.3019
kosullivan@opted.org

Number of Applicants Applying for Residencies Jump Nearly 20% in First Year of ASCO-Managed Optometry Residency Match Program  

ROCKVILLE, MD, February 26, 2013 – Students of optometry are positioning themselves to significantly advance their preparation as a doctor of optometry, as indicated by the nearly 20% increase of applicants to the Optometry Residency Match, or ORMatch. ORMatch was established by ASCO less than one-year ago. It matches the student and the residency program based on a mutual ranking algorithm.

“The additional year of training is a unique and rewarding experience and upon completion of their residency, our graduates will have advantages as they begin their careers. For example, the Veterans Health Administration considers a residency as a prerequisite for employment,” according to the President of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, David A. Heath O.D., Ed.M. “The growing interest in residency education is a plus for the profession and we believe it will result in an ongoing expansion of residency programs,” President Heath added.

“We are pleased to note a large increase in applications this year,” says Dr. Doug Hoffman, Director of Residencies at the New England College of Optometry and Chair of ORMatch. “There has been increasing interest in residency programs in recent years. Residency trained optometrists are well equipped to thrive in today’s evolving health care environment and to play a role in the advancement of the profession.”

In total, 574 optometric students applied for 381 residency positions. The matching will begin March 11.

 

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The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is a non-profit association representing the interests of optometric education. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Rockville, Md., ASCO is committed to achieving excellence in optometric education and to helping its member institutions prepare well-qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry. Its membership encompasses the schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Puerto Rico. A number of optometry schools outside the United States are affiliate members.