Ophthalmology Residency
The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Ophthalmology Residency Program provides comprehensive training across a wide array of eye diseases. Through extensive clinical and surgical education, residents become proficient ophthalmologists both medically and surgically.
Welcome From the Program Director
Welcome to the Ophthalmology Residency Program. Your four years here will be filled with excitement, learning and personal growth. You’ll leave feeling well prepared and ready to face challenges on your own, regardless of the career path you choose.
At SLU, we pride ourselves on our collaborative environment and camaraderie. You’ll be treated as part of our small family. Your voice will be heard and valued, and your input will drive and shape the change that constantly occurs and helps improve our program.
Our diverse patient population provides you with the experience to treat rare and complex eye diseases in addition to the more common clinical and surgical problems. You’ll learn from full-time and part-time ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists across each subspecialty. Training takes place in the new, state-of-the-art SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and the adjacent SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Choosing to train at Saint Louis University means choosing a program with strong clinical training and a community of clinicians dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We encourage you to reach out with any questions and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rafif Ghadban, M.D.
Program director
Program Highlights
The four-year, ACGME-accredited ophthalmology residency features progressive surgical volume and guidance from full- and part-time subspecialists across ophthalmology, optometry and orthoptics. The intern year concludes with four weeks of exclusive ophthalmology training, providing a stress-free transition into residency. Surgical training begins in the second year, supported by protected academic time and clinical care across four distinct training environments.
- Seamless PGY-1 transition into specialized training
- Early and progressive surgical volumes
- Hands-on Wet Lab training
- Immediate exposure to urgent ophthalmic care
- Diverse network of clinical environments
- Protected, structured academic time
Apply
The residency program offers four training spots each year. The application process is competitive — hundreds apply each year — and the program relies on and welcomes the use of signals.
All applications are processed through the SFMatch.
Application Review
Faculty evaluate candidates based on a comprehensive, holistic review of their background:
- Academic achievements
- Letters of recommendation
- Research scholarship
- Service
- Work and life experiences
Reviews are not determined by a minimum USMLE exam score. Step 2 scores are optional but highly recommended.
About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program
SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.