Is it true that oplthalmology programs require an eye exam for residency applicants? If so, what are the requirements? I'm a 1st year med student who is interested in opthalmology....however my vision is really bad....like -9.00 in both eyes.
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eye exam when applying for optho?
Started by birdie
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birdie said:
Hey birdie, very few programs require an eye exam. I think the only ones I ran into were UT San Antonio and (maybe) U Washington. Ohio State used to, but doesn't anymore. Even for those that do, I don't think they care about myopia. They're mostly looking for any serious vision problems or diminished stereo acuity.
Good luck in school.
P.S. Just for future reference, Ophthalmology has a pretty unique spelling... 😉
No program could discriminate against you on the basis of high myopia if you have good corrected acuity with glasses or contact lenses. They would only be interested in poor BCVA (Best corrected visual acuity) because of the implications for decreased stereopsis during surgery. The other thing they might be interested in is colour blindness. These are only relative contraindications though - I know someone who was colour blind who did well in his training, and someone who lost an eye who was able to continue training & did well.
