Best Medical Schools for Ophthalmology

A career in Ophthalmology comes with many responsibilities and needs pure dedication. However, it is also one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine. 

Many opportunities await this kind of profession, and not to mention it is also one of the highest-paying medical professions.

It also gives you a long-term career path and excellent job security in the long run. But before everything else, your choice of medical school is also one factor for your success in this field. 

This article has compiled a comprehensive list of the best and the top medical schools in Ophthalmology. 

And the medical schools and universities we have listed here are among the best choice where you can study Ophthalmology with their respective curriculums, training, and other programs related to the profession. 

What is Ophthalmology? 

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that primarily focuses on the eye's overall healthcare, including its structure, functions, and diseases. 

An ophthalmologist is a medical professional or Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) specializing in this area. These are doctors that are professionally trained and experienced in treating any problems that concern the eye, providing diagnoses, and prescribing medications. 

Also, ophthalmologists are licensed to perform any surgical procedure in the eyes, such as corneal transplant, LASIK, eye muscle surgery, refractive eye surgery, and more.

Below are some of the eye conditions and disorders that ophthalmologists treat: 

Moreover, some ophthalmologists choose to specialize in treating children’s eye diseases, and they are called pediatric ophthalmologists. 

Some may work in hospitals, while some do private practices in their clinics. And to become an Ophthalmologist, one should complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in college. 

How Much Do Ophthalmologists Earn?

The average annual salary of Ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom is GBP 172,440. At the same time, the starting salary is between GBP 114,554 to GBP 120,000 for those with one to three years of experience. 

And those senior professionals with 8+ years of experience have an average salary of GBP 229,459.

In the USA, the average salary for this profession is around USD 312,400. 

And for those who recently started in this profession, the entry-level salary ranges from USD 217,260 to USD 262,600, depending on one’s experience and years of practice. 

And the highest possible salary for such a profession within the country ranges from USD 357,300 to USD 398,179. 

Most often, these are the salary range of those senior professionals in the field with extensive experience.

On the other hand, in Canada, ophthalmologists' average annual salary is CAD 320,587, and those seniors can earn as much as CAD 426,590. 

And the starting salary ranges from CAD 212,969 for this medical profession.

In comparison, the average salary of this profession in India is INR 1,950,000 in a year. And for entry-level positions, one can earn around INR 742,500, and those highly experienced professionals in the field can make up to INR 2,400,00 annually.

Furthermore, Ophthalmologists practicing in Australia have an average salary of AUD 395,052, and the entry-level salary is around AUD 262,863. And those senior Ophthalmologist's salary range is AUD 526,532. 

Summary Table: Average Salary Rate of Ophthalmologists in Different Countries

What are the Best Medical Schools for Ophthalmology?  

Many universities and medical schools offer residency programs for Ophthalmology. And these educational institutions vary highly in terms of their curriculum structures, academic excellence, and facilities provided to their students. 

To help you choose the best medical school for you to study Ophthalmology, we have listed some of the top-performing institutions in this specialization. 

And most of these medical institutions also differ in their admission requirements, such as GPA, MCAT, and BMAT scores, tuition fees, and scholarship programs they offer to their applicants.

University of Pittsburgh 

This educational institution was established on February 28, 1787. And the university was known as Pittsburgh Academy up to the year 1819. 

And the institution’s name later changed to Western University Pennsylvania from 1819 to 1908, and it was fully renamed as the University of Pittsburgh in 1908. 

Why Study Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has an excellent residency program in its Department of Ophthalmology. Also, the university offers a comprehensive educational experience to its residents. 

Its residency program for Ophthalmology is accredited and acknowledged by the Graduate Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association.

Moreover, they have its clinical center at the Eye and Ear Institute of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The department also has three affiliated clinical locations available at the Children’s Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and the Eye Clinic/Health Center Ophthalmology, Inc. 

Also, students are exposed to and highly required to participate in active research in both primary and clinical based. The department also allows its residents to do practical exercises and handle surgical cases by learning specific techniques.  

In addition, they are well-trained and experienced in handling the different instrumentation of Ophthalmology, emergency room procedures, refraction, and other essential services.

Stanford University

The university is located in California and was established in 1885 by Leland Stanford, a U.S senator and former governor of California. Also, Stanford University is ranked as one of the top educational institutions worldwide. 

Why Study Ophthalmology at Stanford University?

The Stanford University School of Medicine is integrated with top-tier hospitals in the area. Also, it is the leading institution in medical research, education, training, and outstanding patient care-oriented professionals.

Furthermore, its Ophthalmology Department is recognized worldwide for its commitment  to delivering top-quality education and advanced training programs to its residents. 

Also, they have intensive training in surgical skills, clinical diagnosis, and providing effective treatment for any eye diseases. 

And the department also offers postgraduate clinical training programs on different subspecialties in Ophthalmology, including the cornea and external disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, uveitis, medical retina, and more.

Yale University

Yale is one of the 8 Ivy League Schools worldwide, and it is located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Given the school's popularity and recognition as one of the top schools, 22% of its population are international students, and 8% are admitted to its School of Medicine. 

Also, Yale University School of Medicine ranked 10th place in Best Medical Schools, which is why this institution is among the top choice for students to study medicine. 

Their medical programs are highly inclusive and diverse, allowing their students to be more exposed to the medical field.

Why Study Ophthalmology at Yale University?

This educational institution delivers the highest-performing professionals in medicine and health care. Also, they provide quality education in biotechnology, excellent clinical practice programs, and well-trained medical graduates. 

Its Ophthalmology Residency Program focuses on both clinical and academic practices. Furthermore, students are given a chance to handle patients and, at the same time, hone their examination and patient-care skills. 

Also, the department offers rotations in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmic Pathology, Ophthalmic Oncology, Neuro-ophthalmology, and Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus. It gives students a chance to explore and learn more in this specialization.

University of Pennsylvania 

It is the first teaching hospital and medical school in the country. The University of Pennsylvania or UPenn is also one of the prestigious Ivy League Schools. And the school was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin.

Why Study Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania?

The university’s School of Medicine is called the Perelman School of Medicine or Penn Med. And it is affiliated with the following medical institutions, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Pennsylvania Hospital. 

And also, the university offers M.D., Ph.D., and post-doctoral degrees. In addition, the Penn Medicine Department of Ophthalmology offers comprehensive and top-notch teaching, research, and clinical care in this specialization. 

The department is also dedicated to providing close mentoring of their residents while giving them extensive clinical, surgical, and research experience in the field. 

Plus, Penn Med is the leading institution in clinical and basic research, allowing its students to access an array of research programs related to their specialization. It is also an excellent area for exposure to general and other subspecialties in Ophthalmology.

Columbia University

This university is also part of the Ivy League and was established in 1754 as King’s College. And Columbia University is considered the oldest educational institution located in New York.

Why Study Ophthalmology at Columbia University?

The educational institution’s Department of Ophthalmology aims to be the leading center for innovative clinical care of eye disorders. And to teach their students the value of clinical practice and utmost patient care.

Also, to be the top and most advanced medical institution to provide medical knowledge in the field. And they also focus on providing a comprehensive training experience to their residents.

The department is also highly innovative and determined to provide the best clinical programs in its research, residency, and fellowship programs. Also, they cultivate the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

Harvard University 

Harvard is among the highly recognized and world-renowned educational institutions. And its School of Medicine is ranked as the world’s top 1 educational institution for medicine.

Why Study Ophthalmology at Harvard?

Harvard’s Department of Ophthalmology is the leading and most extensive academic department in this specialization in the United States. 

It was established in 1871 and is considered one of the finest academic medical institutions worldwide that offer Ophthalmology. And offering a stellar residency training program with an extensive curriculum in this specialization. 

Aside from that, the department also offers clinical fellowships in Ophthalmology subspecialties such as eye pathology, ocular oncology, and more. 

Summary Table: Best Medical Schools for Ophthalmology