University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

Program Identity & Fit

The University of Wisconsin ophthalmology residency is an academic, research-intensive program anchored at UW Health Hospital and Clinics (ranked 17th on U.S. News' Honor Roll) with a quarter of training at the William S. Middleton VA, giving residents early and progressive surgical responsibility including a dedicated comprehensive rotation with high-volume attendings and full LASIK certification for every graduate. Research is structurally embedded rather than optional: a formal, milestone-driven Resident Research Curriculum requires proposal development in PGY-1, escalating protected time (peaking at 36 half-days in PGY-3), stipends, and presentation requirements, backed by an NIH/NEI-funded T32 Vision Research Training Program and a department where roughly half the faculty are active investigators across basic, translational, and epidemiological vision science. Distinctive features include a bi-monthly free community eye clinic for underserved patients, a global ophthalmology rotation in New Delhi, resident-run urgent care continuity clinics, and access to specialized units like the Clinical Eye Research Unit and Wisconsin Reading Center. The program's structure and NEI-ranked research infrastructure signal a strong preference for residents who will engage seriously with scholarship alongside surgical training, oriented toward academic and subspecialty careers.