Ophthalmology Residency Training Program at NYEE
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) offers a three-year ACGME accredited ophthalmology residency program with outstanding clinical and surgical training. Established in 1820 as the first eye specialty hospital in America, our founding mission remains unchanged. The mission of NYEE is to provide excellence in medical education, professional development, patient care, scientific research, and community service. The full breadth of medical and surgical ophthalmology training is offered with experience in general ophthalmology, as well as all ophthalmic subspecialties, including cornea, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, ocular oncology, uveitis, contact lens, ophthalmic pathology, and refractive surgery.
Expansion of the Training Program
In order to train ophthalmologists who will transform the way ophthalmic care is delivered in the next 100 years, NYEE and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) requested and were approved for an expansion of the residency training program for residents beginning July 2021. Two previously distinct training programs (NYEE with seven residents per year and Icahn Mount Sinai with four residents per year) were combined into one program, creating the largest training program in the country (with 10 residents per year). In this new program, residents learn in a diverse set of practice environments, preparing them to pursue any pathway they choose, such as clinical comprehensive practice, sub-specialty training, medical education, or global health.
Applicants applying for residency training beginning July 2026 will apply to the integrated program through SF Match and will interview in the fall of 2024, with the Match taking place in January 2025.
The residency training program will provide unparalleled opportunities for trainees who will benefit from:
- Joint internship at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West
- Diverse training environments
- Integrated competency based curriculum
- Research opportunities
The residency program is an integral part of the Department of Ophthalmology. We strive to inspire and mentor our residents to become leaders in patient care, education, global health, and vision research.
Residency Salary and Benefits
Residents receive a wide variety of resources, benefits, and activities to help further their careers in medicine and provide support during their training. Residency appointments begin in July and are renewed annually for up to 36 consecutive months.
Salary
Our salary is generally competitive with other programs in the New York City area. Resident stipend by PGY level, as of July 1, 2024.
- PGY-1: $81,377.80
- PGY-2: $90,011
- PGY-3: $93,612
- PGY-4: $97,356
Benefits
The benefits and privileges enjoyed by Ophthalmology residents include:
- Meal stipend of $1,200 annually (effective July 1, 2024)
- Educational allowance of $750 annually (effective July 1, 2024)
- Health insurance, dental insurance, optical insurance, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, malpractice insurance, Workers’ Compensation, short-term disability, long-term disability, and day care
- Four weeks of vacation per academic year
- BCSC series published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology; Wills Eye Manual; white coats; and educational stipend
- Attendance at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in either the second or third year of training, or an equivalent meeting
- Attendance at meetings when presenting research
- Free shuttle service between The Mount Sinai Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital Center, and the Bronx VA
- Taxi reimbursement when on call after hours or when shuttle is not available
- Attendance at selected city-wide conferences and special educational events
- Access to the comprehensive departmental library and the full resources of the Levy Library of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Access to activity and event discounts through the Recreation Office
Resident Housing
The Mount Sinai Health System makes every effort to provide adequate housing for residents and fellows enrolled in a ACGME-accredited program. Apartments are subject to availability.
For additional information on resident housing and applications, please click here
How to Apply
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai ophthalmology residency program seeks to attract a diverse group of individuals, who are committed to developing a deep understanding of ophthalmic disease, patient care, and vision research. Ten first-year residents (PGY2) enter the program each year in July, for a total of 30 residents in the training program. Residency applications to the program are processed through the Central Application Service (CAS) provided by the San Francisco Matching Program. The deadline for receipt of applications is a date to be determined in September. Invitations for interview will be sent out in late October.
Eligibility
Please review the following eligibility requirements for the ophthalmology residency program.
- Graduation from an accredited US medical school or satisfactory completion of ECFMG certification.
- Residents matching into the residency directly following graduation from medical school will apply to and be guaranteed a slot in a joint internship in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel through the NRMP.
- Applicants who have already completed post graduate training must demonstrate satisfactory completion of an approved PGY1 program. Internships that give the applicant primary responsibility for patient care in a field such as internal medicine, surgery, transitional, or family medicine are preferred.
- Satisfactory completion of USMLE Step 1 for the application, however, satisfactory completion of USMLE Steps 2 and 3 is required prior to starting ophthalmology residency.
- Agreement with the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai’s resident employment policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I spend all my time in the subway?
Residents will be eligible for resident housing through the Graduate Medical Education resident housing lottery system. During their rotations, residents will spend a considerable amount of time in Uptown Manhattan, the East Village, Queens, and the Bronx. To help facilitate their training, shuttle service will be available between The Mount Sinai Hospital, James Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center and Elmhurst, allowing the resident to get to sites safely and efficiently. Reimbursement will be provided for any late night transportation needs.