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Ophthalmology Residency Curriculum

The Ophthalmology Residency Program provides a robust, comprehensive training experience across all ophthalmic subspecialties. 

Rotations

Residents train at the following sites: 

PGY-1 Schedule (Intern Year)
  • Structure: Integration with the Department of Internal Medicine 
  • Focus: 
    • General medicine 
    • Endocrine medicine 
    • Rheumatology 
    • Radiology  
    • Ophthalmology  
  • Program Highlight: Final four weeks dedicated entirely to ophthalmology to prepare for PGY-2 responsibilities 
  • Locations: 
    • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 
    • John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital 
PGY-2 Schedule
  • Structure: Four 12-week rotations 
  • Focus: 
    • Comprehensive ophthalmology 
    • Retina/uveitis 
    • Glaucoma 
    • Oculoplastic surgery 
    • Pediatrics 
    • Adult strabismus 
  • Program Highlight: Exposure to outpatient surgical procedures 
  • Responsibilities:  
    • Field urgent calls  
    • Evaluate and treat urgent ophthalmic issues 
    • Cover primary call during weeknights and weekends 
  • Locations:  
    • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 
    • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital 
PGY-3 Schedule
  • Structure: Four 12-week rotations 
  • Focus:  
    • Pediatric ophthalmology 
    • Neuro-ophthalmology 
    • Retina/uveitis 
    • Oculoplastics 
  • Program Highlights: Exposure to cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation, pediatric procedures, strabismus surgery and oculoplastic cases 
  • Responsibilities: Provide inpatient consults for both adult and pediatric patients 
  • Locations: 
    • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
    • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital 
PGY-4 Schedule
  • Structure: Four 12-week rotations 
  • Focus: 
    • Cornea 
    • Neuro-ophthalmology 
    • Glaucoma 
    • Retina/uveitis 
    • Comprehensive ophthalmology 
  • Program Highlights: Honing surgical skills through exposure to cataract cases and cornea, retina and glaucoma cases, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries 
  • Responsibilities:  
    • Provide backup surgical call during weeknights and weekends 
    • Treat patients independently in resident clinics throughout the week 
  • Locations: 
    • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital  
    • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
    • SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital -- St. Louis

Academic Development

Didactic Sessions

Faculty-led sessions are typically held on Wednesday evenings. Topics include: 

  • Anatomy 
  • Physiology 
  • Optics 
  • Clinical management of ophthalmic conditions 
Grand Rounds

Held on Wednesday mornings before clinical duties. Sessions typically involve: 

  • Presentation of case study, research topic or pertinent innovation 
  • Discussion and critique of the case or topic presented 
  • Active resident participation 
Wet Lab

Designed for simulator training and practice on synthetic and animal eyes to build early surgical competence. 

  • Develop surgical skills and familiarity with cataract surgery 
  • Practice faculty-guided surgical techniques on synthetic eyes and animal models 
  • Establish a strong foundation to perform clinical procedures 
OKAP Prep

Protected time on Wednesday mornings before Grand Rounds, led by chief residents. This time is dedicated to preparation for the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) exam – a comprehensive test evaluating ophthalmic knowledge and clinical skills.  

  • Cover core topics including anatomy, physiology, optics and clinical management 
  • Participate annually as a PGY-2, PGY-3 and PGY-4 resident  
Journal Club

Held regularly throughout the year.  

  • Present key findings of a selected article in a resident-led session 
  • Discuss the article’s strengths, weaknesses and clinical implications with faculty guidance