Optometry Residency

Mission Statement and Program Description

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Optometric Residency program, affiliated with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University. We offer two residency positions: one in ocular disease and one in combined low vision rehabilitation and ocular disease. With a diverse patient population, residents have the opportunity to hone their skills working alongside all subspecialties in both optometry and ophthalmology. Additionally, our residents gain acute eye care experience working in our busy Urgent Eye Care Center. 

Our resident in low vision rehabilitation also works with our Low Vision Division, which consists of residency-trained optometrists and occupational therapists. The team works closely with community agencies such as the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Veterans Administration, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired. Our new low vision suite contains a fully functioning life skills apartment where visually impaired individuals can learn strategies to address activities of daily living, such as cooking and doing laundry.  A mobility garden is also utilized by the low vision team to assess mobility, contrast, and glare in a controlled environment consisting of various terrains and elevations. The low vision team collaborates extensively with our research team, utilizing a state-of-the-art driving simulator as well as Street Lab, which is a virtual reality/augmented reality space to evaluate mobility, scanning, and gaze tracking to better understand an individual’s ability to function in daily environments. The Low Vision Division also has a comprehensive Bioptic Driving Program in place with access certified driving instructors within the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Assistive Technology.

Our residents are encouraged to participate in volunteer and research opportunities as well as attend and present at optometric meetings. One service program we are particularly proud of is Eyes on Wheels, formerly Guerrilla Eye Service. This team consists of undergraduate and medical students, residents, and attendings dedicated to eliminating barriers for access to eye care in the Western PA area. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for more information on our program. Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the US, Pittsburgh balances a small town feel with city living. With affordable housing, delicious food, and a welcoming eye care family, Pittsburgh is the perfect place to be a resident!