Residency Programs

Note on Application Deadlines:

Application deadlines will be altered to remain consistent with those specified on the ORMatch website for all 2021-22 Southern College of Optometry affiliated residency programs.  Deadlines can be accessed at https://natmatch.com/ormatch/.  Questions can be directed to SCO's Director for Residency Programs, Dr. Cheryl Mengelt, at [email protected]. 

2021-22 Optometry Residency Applications

2021-22 Residency Applications will be welcome prior to NBEO score release. Accepted residents must be eligible for a state optometric license by the program's start date. 

SCO's Residency Programs give graduate optometrists additional opportunities to expand their clinical knowledge and skills. The residency programs that we offer include:

• Primary Care Optometry
• Pediatric Optometry
• Cornea and Contact Lenses
• Vision Rehabilitation
• Ocular Disease

SCO Optometry Residency Program Focus Options

All of our programs are either accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education or being prepared for accreditation.

OPTOMETRY RESIDENCY FAQs

How long do optometry residency programs last?

Most residencies are one calendar year in length and most programs begin on July 1. See program description for further details.

Will I receive a salary and benefits in an optometry residency program?

Residents receive:

1. An annual stipend
2. Health insurance at group rates
3. Professional liability insurance
4. Travel funding

What are the prerequisites for a residency applicant?

Applicant must have earned an O.D. degree, or will have earned such a degree by the time of matriculation from a school/college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. Candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must have passed NBEO Parts I, II and TMOD in order to take part in the ORMatch match process in February/March, though candidates are welcome to submit an application at any time (before receiving scores). Candidates must have passed NBEO Part III and be eligible for a license in the state where the program resides in order to accept a residency position.

What types of residencies are available?

The five main types are:

1. Primary Care Optometry
2. Pediatric Optometry
3. Cornea and Contact Lenses
4. Vision Rehabilitation
5. Ocular Disease

However, many combination programs are offered with areas of emphasis, including Primary Care Optometry, Pediatric Optometry, Family Practice Optometry, Community Health Optometry, Geriatric Optometry, Cornea and Contact Lenses, Ocular Disease, Refractive and Ocular Surgery, Anterior Segment, Glaucoma, Retina, Neuro-Optometry, Vision Rehabilitation, Vision Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Rehabilitation

How many programs should I consider?

ORMatch will allow candidates to apply to 10 programs for a single fee. The average applicant applies to 5 programs. Things to consider are time off to interview and costs incurred. You will interview at each individual site.

Can I apply for a residency after I have already graduated?

Yes. Anyone can apply as long as they meet the candidate requirements.

How can I make myself a competitive candidate?

Maintain a competitive GPA, join optometric student organizations, reach out and introduce yourself to the Supervisors, advocate for the profession, community service, get involved in research, pick externships with similar disciplines/venues, arrange a visit to the practice if this is practical, research the programs prior to your interview, prepare well thought out questions to ask during your interview, be confident, smile and maintain eye contact during the interview, update your cv, write a strong letter of intent and form positive clinical impressions with your staff doctors so they can write strong, positive and personalized letters of recommendation.  

Will I be paid during my residency year?

Yes, most likely. There are work without compensation programs but these are rare. You can expect a modest salary with paid benefits which vary from program to program.

Will I be able to defer my student loans during residency training?

Deferment is not an option, however, forbearance is. Meaning, you are not responsible for payments during your residency but interest accrues.

What support documents do I need to prepare for my application?

This varies from program to program. In general, you will be asked to submit: An application through ORMatch, an application through the affiliate institution, a letter of intent, an updated cv, official transcripts, NBEO scores, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Where do I send my support documents?

All items are to be made available to ORMatch during the application process.

What are the important deadlines to remember?

Application season opens in October and closes in January. Interviews typically take place in late January-early February. The Match (selection of residents) takes place in early March. Most residency programs begin on July 1.

Does a residency’s accreditation status matter?

A residency that is accredited by the ACOE holds an official stamp of approval. Completion will earn points towards a Fellowship in the AAO, NBEO Board Certification and earn you consideration of a Faculty position. 

Please note:

• A residency in its initial year will be labeled as Accreditation-Pending. This is NOT a red flag.
• If a program has been offered for more than 1 year and is not accredited you must ask why.
• A Fellowship does not go through the accreditation process.

More Resources

You can learn more at the following websites:

• ASCO Residency
• ORMatch