Ophthalmology Specialty Internship, Ophthalmology for Animals, Aptos, CA
Ophthalmology Specialty Internship – Aptos, California
Ophthalmology for Animals in Aptos, CA is accepting applications for a veterinary ophthalmology internship starting in July 2026. The goal of the ophthalmology internship is to prepare a potential ophthalmology residency candidate for successful placement into an ABVO residency program following completion of the internship.
Internship information:
- Location: A private ophthalmology clinic in Aptos, CA. Single location.
- Mentors: 2 ACVO diplomates
- Start date: July 2026 (The exact state date is negotiable for the right candidate.)
- Duration: 12 months
- History: The training program has been in existence since 2020. One resident completed the ABVO residency program in 2023. Recently, one intern completed the program and obtained an ABVO residency jointly mentored by our practice and another practice in NY.
- The number of trainees at the facility: One at a time.
- Clinic Case Load: 20-40 cases daily; 5-8 surgeries under anesthesia/week; 15+ minor procedures/week; 0-1 after-hour emergencies/week
- Clinical duties include but are not limited to: primary patient care, management of inpatient and outpatient cases, assisting with anesthesia and performing minor surgical procedures, and facilitating communication with clients. The intern will be expected to participate in Monday evening rounds (conducted with multiple ophthalmology practices throughout the USA) and to present at the Northern California meetings. Attendance at the annual ACVO conference is strongly encouraged.
- Emergency duties: The intern may be asked to stay afterhours to help finish cases for the day (rarely more than 0.5-2 hours/day) and answer occasional emergency phone calls for pre-existing patients.
- Employee Benefits: Reimbursements for professional liability insurance and licensure, continuing education allowance and 10 days of PTO.
- Contract: A standard employment contract will be provided prior to the internship start date. There is no post-internship obligation.
Requirements for the candidates:
- Must be highly motivated and have previously completed a one-year rotating internship or minimum of 3 years in private practice.
- A valid California veterinary license by the start of internship.
- Interview over the phone or video call for select candidates.
- Applications to be submitted between March 2, 2026 and March 30, 2026. Applications submitted prior to March 2, 2026 will not be reviewed.
Please submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and a copy of veterinary school transcript to Dr. Taemi Horikawa at eyes@ofora.com. Three letters of reference are required and should be directly submitted to Dr. Taemi Horikawa at eyes@ofora.com by the persons writing the letters. More information about our clinic can be found on: www.ofora.com