In my admittedly biased opinion, vitreoretinal surgery is one of the most exciting areas in all of ophthalmology—and perhaps even in all of medicine. Few fields have experienced such rapid surgical innovation and the translation of research from bench to bedside, resulting in remarkable impacts on patient care. Each year, many talented candidates apply to vitreoretinal surgery fellowship programs.
In today’s landscape, there are numerous excellent programs that can prepare you for a highly successful career as a vitreoretinal surgeon. However, each program is unique, and the ideal choice for one candidate may not be the perfect fit for another. Here are some important factors to consider as you finalize your rank list to find the best fit for you.
Learning Style
All fellowships offer some degree of graduated autonomy, but the pace and extent of this autonomy can vary significantly between programs. On one end of the spectrum are highly supervised clinical settings, where fellows function as “apprentices” within an attending physician’s clinic and operating room. On the other end, fellows may function with quasi-independence, receiving varying levels of support, with attending physicians available in an adjacent clinic, in the building, or only by phone. Each learning style has its merits. It is crucial for prospective retina fellows to engage in introspection to determine their optimal learning style. For those who thrive on hands-on experience, direct supervision may feel restrictive without opportunities to make independent decisions and observe the outcomes of their clinical choices. Conversely, those who prefer a more guided approach may find quasi-independent clinical management overwhelming, especially at the beginning of their training. Identifying where you fall on this spectrum and choosing a program that aligns with your learning style will maximize your educational success.
Fit With Mentors
Mentorship is invaluable in the field of retina. Mentors are essential not only for imparting clinical and surgical knowledge, but also for supporting professional development. Excellent mentors can be found in every program, and just as programs seek fellows who align well with their faculty, you should aim to find a program where you feel a strong connection with potential mentors. Can you envision spending many late nights and weekends with the faculty? While you can always seek additional mentors later in your career, your fellowship mentors will play a crucial role in supporting your professional journey.
Evaluate the Setting
Historically, surgical retina fellowships were predominantly offered at academic institutions. However, there are an increasing number of private practice–oriented or hybrid (“privademic”) fellowships. Some traditional academic institutions even partner with local private practices to provide fellows with a more diverse experience. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, so finding the right balance to meet your professional goals is essential.
FInd The Right Location
Never underestimate the importance of location. Beyond the specific details of the fellowship program itself, you will be living in the city where the fellowship is located for the duration of your training. Having a strong support system during these challenging years cannot be overstated. Additionally, being in a certain area for fellowship may facilitate networking with potential future employers if you wish to stay in a particular city or region. One important note: as of 2025, a few programs require incoming fellows to sign a noncompete clause. If you anticipate wanting to remain in a specific region (but not at the same institution or practice as your fellowship), it would be wise to investigate this further before making a commitment.
To all of you who have reached this phase of training: congratulations! You are so close to the finish line. Interview season can be grueling and stressful, but as cliché as it may sound, the time does fly by. The co-interviewees and faculty members you meet along the way will become your colleagues for life. Enjoy the journey, and good luck! RP
