Presented By: Amber Fouts, Nova Southeastern University
Co-Authors: Kyle Bauckman, Nova Southeastern University
Purpose
Medical students applying for ophthalmology residency have high academic performance and invest significant time beyond their studies conducting research. Upon application, students discover there is a tacit understanding they must pass vision-based tests including: visual acuity (VA), stereopsis (SO), and colorblind (CB) examinations. Confirmation of these visual requirements is sparse or non-existent. We aim to clarify this requirement by asking program directors (PDs) if and how this information is collected so applicants may consider this early in their education.
Methods
IRB approval was obtained, and emails of ophthalmology PDs were acquired from the ACGME 2023 PD contact list. Voluntary anonymous surveys were distributed utilizing the Microsoft Forms Survey Tool. The survey utilized a Likert scale scoring system.
Results
Of the (n=12) respondents, 4 required submission of visual exams as part of the application or onboarding process. Of those, 2 reported a failed visual exam could negatively impact eligibility; 1 at the application stage and 1 at the onboarding stage. When asked if respondents (n=10) would discourage an applicant with visual deficits from pursuing ophthalmology results were mixed. For VA testing, 7 would discourage and 3 might discourage. For SO testing, 4 would discourage and 6 might discourage. For CB testing, 1 would discourage, 2 might discourage, and 7 would not discourage.
Conclusions: Ophthalmology residencies are divided on their visual requirements for applicants. The responses suggest, while not an official requirement, most PDs would discourage applicants who are unable to pass VA and SO exams, but not CB exams. The disconnect between actual requirements and PD recommendations, as well as the potential for disqualification, presents a late-stage challenge for applicants with visual impairments. This study emphasizes the need for clearer guidelines about visual requirements for prospective ophthalmologists.