University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Joe and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is a university-based academic ophthalmology program built around a high-volume, multi-site clinical system spanning the VA hospital, University Hospital's trauma/consult service, community health center clinics, and military partnerships at Wilford Hall and Brooke Army Medical Center, giving residents unusually broad exposure to trauma, refractive surgery, and subspecialty care alongside private community faculty. Surgical training is structured and progressive, with residents becoming primary surgeons early and exceeding minimum case numbers, including a dedicated two-week refractive surgery block as primary surgeon at one of the largest refractive centers in the world. Research is embedded but not obligatory for career direction: second-years must present an ARVO abstract and the department maintains active NIH/NEI-funded basic science labs, yet outcomes split evenly between fellowship and comprehensive private practice. The program values clinical volume, surgical independence, and balanced academic engagement over singular research or fellowship pipelines.