I interviewed at several Chicago programs. They are all underrated in my opinion. I have heard that UChicago has some issues though, but I didn't interview there.
UIC - I think most people consider this a top 15-20 program. Great faculty (Drs Azar x 2, Mieler, Sugar, Lim, Putterman, etc.). Great research.
Northwestern - I would consider a mid tier. Very friendly faculty. Rebuilding with Dr. Volpe as the new chair. Need to work on their surgical volume, but still a solid program.
Rush - Maybe a midtier? I loved the Rush program, but wanted a larger class (only 2 residents per year at Rush). Very cool faculty that supposedly treat residents well because you decide who you go to the OR with (and thus they have financial interest in the residents). The chair Dr. Packo is world-renowned.
Loyola - Maybe considered a third tier? Doesn't get much respect because it is not terribly 'academic'. The chair Dr. Bouchard is SUPER nice, and he's attempting to build their research. I know a few alumni that say they got excellent training. Many go onto comprehensive from here. Very good surgical volume. Maybe not the best option if you want to do competitive plastics/retina fellowships.
For non-Chicago programs, Cleveland Clinic (I'd call it a midtier) is a program that I expect to be on the rise as well. If it were in a more desirable city, would probably be a very competitive program. Lots of money, amazing facilities at Cleveland Clinic (did not see the county hospital on interview day), good research support, solid training, a couple of bigwigs (Dr. Schachat is the editor of Ophthalmology).
I've heard good things about Case Western and Mayo Clinic as well. WashU is more of a top tier, and it's amazing.
