University of Florida Combined Master of Science in Comparative Ophthalmology and Residency

University of Florida
Master of Science in Comparative Ophthalmology

The UF Comparative Ophthalmology Program is accepting applications for a combined residency/Master of Science degree program to begin approximately August 19, 2024.  The current salary for this position is $50,000 annually and a very generous benefits package is included for the residency appointment (all health, dental and vision insurances are covered, as well and life and disability insurances).  The first year of this program will be devoted to graduate studies and research. Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to serve as a teaching assistant for first-year veterinary students during the first year of the program. Continuation into the clinical residency portion of the program (years 2-4) will be contingent upon performance during the Master’s year.

Research in comparative and evolutionary optics, corneal wound healing, immune-mediated uveitis, drug delivery and glaucoma is ongoing at the UFCVM. Graduate students will be assigned a mentor upon selection and a project will be designed to meet the needs of both student and mentor. Extensive collaboration with vision scientists offers additional opportunities. The graduate student will have teaching assistant duties in which they assist faculty in the education of first-year veterinary students.

Program:            4-year combined Ophthalmology Residency and Graduate Studies Program

                             (MSc Degree)

Dates:                 August 2021 – July 14, 2028

Deadlines:         Applications are due November 13, 2023

                            Residency Positions Offered January 29, 2024 at noon EST (Deadlines and offering dates will be in accordance with the ORCA ACVO Residency guidelines.)  

Submission Requirements:

  1. Curriculum Vita (including class rank in veterinary school).

  2. Transcripts and grade point average from all post-secondary institutions (veterinary schools) attended.

  3. Three Letters of Reference - Letters should be submitted electronically to Mapesg@ufl.edu  by the persons writing the letter.  They should not be forwarded by the applicant.

  4. Letter of Intent - A personal statement describing background, reasons for applying to the residency and career goals.

Please submit all application materials electronically to Glen Mapes: mapesg@ufl.edu

Prior to submitting any application materials electronically, please black out your social security number.

For more information about the UF Ophthalmology program, please see http://sacs.vetmed.ufl.edu/programs/internship-and-residency-programs/ophthalmology-residency/

For more information on our ophthalmology service, see http://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/ophthalmology/ and http://largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl.edu/services/ophthalmology/

If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Caryn Plummer (plummerc@ufl.edu)

Residents who choose and are accepted into this combined program will be required to enroll in the Graduate School during the course of their Residency program.  The candidate needs to meet the criteria of a Master’s degree program, in addition to required duties of the Residency program. The candidate must apply separately to each program (although the graduate school application need not be made until after the ORCA ACVO offering).   Admission to the Residency program does not automatically admit the candidate to the Master’s program. 

Graduate School Requirements:  Application for admission to the Graduate School must be made to the Director of Admissions as described in the Graduate Catalog, or to the Office of the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine.  In addition to requirements stated in the catalog, the College of Veterinary Medicine requires the following:

  1. Grade Point Average (GPA): Admission is normally limited to students with undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above.

  2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): A GRE total score of 1,150 or above for verbal and quantitative parts, will normally be required for admission.  Applicants must score at least a 320 on the verbal part of the exam to qualify for direct admission.  Special attention will be given to the results of the quantitative portion of the GRE.

  3. Letters of recommendation: Letters from at least 2 former teachers or persons with knowledge of the applicant’s academic record and personal characteristics are required.

  4. TOEFL Examination: Foreign applicants must present their scores on this examination before consideration for admission.  A TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based) or higher is required for admission.  Students with a score of less may be conditionally admitted if they enroll in a special English course for foreign students and meet other admission requirements.

For full consideration, all candidates must answering the following questions in their letter of intent:

  1. Are you authorized to work in the United States?

  2. Do you now or will you in the future need an employer to sponsor you for a VISA to work in the United States?

Following review of applications, selected applicants MAY be invited for a telephone or internet interview.

Teresa Black