I just matched into my top choice after interviewing at 12 of the top surgical retina fellowships. In deciding where to do residency, I would have two things in mind: 1) who will write my letters (ideally two mentors who are well known in the field, yet approachable and whom you can publish with during residency), 2) into what retina fellowships have the residents matched in past years (just ask the program director or current residents). The applicants at the most competitive programs all came from top 20 residency programs, but that doesn't mean you can't match at a great fellowship if you go to a lesser program that happens to house a big name a big name in retina whom you befriend as your mentor. There are a lot of wonderful opportunities out there. Best of luck!!