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Eligibility, Licensure, and Application Process - Optometry Residency

Eligibility and Licensure

To be eligible for the optometry residency program, applicants must have by the beginning date of the appointment:
(1) graduated from an accredited optometry school
(2) successfully passed parts I, II, and III of the NBEO and TMOD
(3) license to practice optometry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Selection Procedure and Admission Criteria

  • Applicants must be graduates of an ACOE accredited college of optometry.  
  • Applicants must have passed National Boards Parts I, II, III and TMOD prior to matriculation.
  • Applicants must be eligible for optometric licensure in Pennsylvania.   
  • Applicants must attend a personal interview – exceptions (virtual format) may be granted due to COVID-19 pandemic.   
  • Applicants must apply through National Matching Services, Inc. ORMatch.  
  • Applicants must be US citizens/permanent residents or eligible for OPT training visa. 

Application Procedures

Completed applications are to be submitted to ORMatch by January 31 for positions beginning July 1. Interviews are conducted by invitation only and are arranged through the Office of the Program Director. Only candidates who are being considered seriously for appointment will be asked to appear for an interview. Applicants will be notified of an interview by phone and/or email. Our interview dates will be announced soon. Please be sure your application includes appropriate contact information.

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh participates in the Optometry Matching Program sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. To receive further information, contact National Matching Services, Inc. at ormatch@natmatch.com or call 800-461-6322.

The University of Pittsburgh complies with Civil Rights Legislation and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.

Application Requirements

Application through the Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch) is required. The program will set a deadline with the ORMatch for all application materials. There are no application requirements outside that of the ORMatch. Please do not send additional information or a photograph directly to the program.

A personal interview is required before acceptance into the UPMC Optometry Residency Program. Only applicants being considered seriously for appointment will be requested to appear for a personal interview. Once an applicant has been notified that he or she is to be interviewed, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact Connie Davila at 412-647-2152 or by email at davilacm2@upmc.edu to confirm the interview. Applicants are first notified via email and then by phone. Please be sure to provide accurate and complete contact information on your application.

Application Materials and Procedure:  

  • Official Optometry School transcripts  
  • Official NBEO scores 
  • CV  
  • Letter of Intent  
  • Three letters of recommendation  

Application Deadline: February 15