The Ophthalmology Residency Program is designed to provide a broad educational experience in all aspects of ophthalmology. Residents are given the opportunity to work beside experienced subspecialists and to perform research. Modern, fully-equipped examining lanes and operating suites are provided at principal rotation sites which include the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

To apply, a completed application must be processed through the Central Application Service (CAS) and submitted along with your dean's letter [after November 1.] We would also appreciate receiving a recent photograph sent directly to us at Attn:  Amanda Dozier, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 523, Little Rock, AR  72205, to make it easier for us to remember you when we review your file. With the exception of the dean's letter, we will not accept any material after Nov. 1. For more information, please contact the program coordinator, Amanda Dozier, at DozierAmandaL@uams.edu or by phone at 501-526-6000, ext. 1223 or you may contact the program director, Richard Harper, M.D., at harperricharda@uams.edu.

The three-year (post PGY-1*) program prepares graduates for the challenge and complexity of future practices in ophthalmology through training in the latest scientific and technological advances. Our comprehensive curriculum allows residents to benefit from a very broad clinical and surgical experience. They develop valuable expertise in many subspecialty areas during their three years of study.

There is a basic fund of ophthalmic knowledge that each resident is expected to master as he/she advances in the program. Assessment of each resident’s knowledge and ability to deal with patients in a meaningful and professional manner occurs daily by the faculty and fellow residents. There is an intense and sincere interest in your continued growth and professional development.

*PLEASE NOTE: Beginning with the 2002-2003 academic year, the transitional year program at UAMS has been discontinued. You may elect to spend your PGY-1 year at UAMS in the Internal Medicine program. This year has been designed for residents matching into the Ophthalmology program at UAMS.  Should you match with our program and desire to complete your PGY-1 year at UAMS, you would still need to apply for this position through the NRMP.  Additional information on how to complete this process so that you are guaranteed this slot, will be further discussed on our Interview dates.

Because our Ophthalmology Training Program is the only program in Arkansas, our residents have an excellent volume, and well-balanced clinical and surgical load of patients. Our extensive faculty of subspecialists makes us the region’s largest ophthalmologic specialty group. We have an active community-based faculty allowing residents to develop close working relationships with both generalists and specialists.

Training includes three Resident Morning Conferences per week which cover materials in preparation for taking the OKAP (Ophthalmology Knowledge Assessment Program) examination annually, and ultimately, for successful completion of Ophthalmology Board examinations following the residency. Residents also attend weekly Problem Case Conferences, monthly Journal Club Meetings, Pathology Conferences (every eight weeks), and periodic Continuing Medical Education courses.

The Arkansas Lions Eye Bank & Laboratory provides each resident two important Ophthalmology references for his/her personal use - The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Basic and Clinical Sciences Series and the Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology multivolume textbook edited by Albert and Jakobiec. The initial volumes are a gift from the Eye Bank; residents must purchase annual supplements.

First Year

The first year provides an opportunity for residents to improve clinical skills and assume increasing levels of responsibility in the clinic setting, as well as in surgery. First year residents learn fundamentals of refraction and basic eye examination. Weekly tutorial sessions for the first year resident are conducted with a member of the faculty. First year residents have graduated patient care responsibilities during their year with rotations at UAMS Medical Center and the VA Medical Center.

Second Year

Residents continue to build their experience while they hone clinical and surgical skills in ophthalmologic subspecialities during the second year. Surgical responsibilities increase as they advance through their residency. The resident has clinical rotations at UAMS Medical Center, the VA Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Third Year

The resident assumes maximum responsibility for patient care during the final year of residency training. Each resident becomes Chief Resident during his entire senior year with rotations at Jones Eye Institute, the VA Medical Center, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The chief resident supervises day-to-day activities and contributes greatly to the teaching of junior residents both in surgery and in the clinical setting.

Life In Little Rock

UAMS Medical Center is located in the heart of Little Rock. Neighborhood parks, churches, schools and a campus-operated child care center surround the medical sciences complex. Little Rock’s downtown business district and riverfront are located just two miles from the campus.

Large shopping malls and a multitude of retailers can be found in the area. Interstate highways and expressways connect Little Rock with neighboring states, and link the surrounding suburban communities for easy access to the medical center. The Little Rock National Airport offers the service of major airlines.

Greater Little Rock is a metropolitan area covering four counties in Central Arkansas, with an estimated population of 643,272. Because Little Rock is Arkansas’ state capital and largest city, there are many job opportunities available for spouses in a number of public and private fields.

Little Rock is rich in culture and historic preservation. The Arkansas Arts Center, located downtown in McArthur Park, has four permanent galleries, a children’s gallery, and a 389-seat theater. Performing arts programs and performances are held throughout the year at the Arkansas Opera Theater, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas, Chamber Music Society of Little Rock, the Arkansas Repertory Theater and the Wildwood Park for Performing Arts. An 18,000-seat, multi-purpose arena (Alltel arena) has recently been constructed on the banks of the Arkansas River.

Known as the "Natural State," Arkansas has beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes where unlimited resources for recreation, travel and culture exist. The opportunities for swimming, fishing, sailing and boating are nearby on the region’s many rivers and lakes, including the only "national river" in the U.S. - the Buffalo River. Some of the best sport fishing in the country is enjoyed within a hour’s drive from Little Rock. And, for individual or group entertainment, camping and hiking is available at the many well-maintained State and National Parks.

Central Arkansas enjoys a four-season climate with long, pleasant spring and fall seasons, mild winters, and summers that are perfect for water sports.