IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - The 2026 residency interviews will follow a virtual format in line with AUPO and SF Match policy.
The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute will not use signals. We review all applications. Sending your application to us serves as a strong signal of your interest in our program.
Bascom Palmer's Ophthalmology Residency Research Track is a specialized five-year residency pathway designed for aspiring clinician-scientists who seek to combine exceptional clinical training with immersive research experience. Through protected research time, individualized mentorship, and access to world-class research resources, this unique research track prepares future leaders in ophthalmology, vision science, and academic medicine.
Residents in the Research Track complete a dedicated research year following their PGY-1 internship before beginning their three-year clinical ophthalmology residency. Throughout training, residents are encouraged to pursue meaningful scientific investigation while developing the clinical expertise necessary to become outstanding ophthalmologists.
As part of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, one of the world's premier centers for ophthalmic care, education, and research, the Research Track residents have opportunities to collaborate with faculty investigators across a broad range of disciplines and contribute to advances that improve vision and eye health worldwide.
How to Apply
Why Choose the Research Track
Bascom Palmer's Ophthalmology Residency Research Track offers a unique opportunity for residents who wish to pursue careers that combine patient care, scientific discovery, and academic leadership.
Highlights of the program include:
- Protected one-year research experience
- Individualized faculty mentorship
- Early exposure to ophthalmic research and innovation
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University of Miami
- Continued scholarly activity throughout residency
- Preparation for careers in academic ophthalmology and physician-scientist leadership
- Support for scientific presentations and publication of research findings
Program Goals
The Research Track is designed to:
- Develop future clinician-scientists and academic leaders in ophthalmology
- Foster innovative research that advances vision science and patient care
- Provide rigorous training in research methodology, scientific communication, and critical thinking
- Create opportunities for residents to develop impactful scholarly portfolios
- Encourage lifelong engagement in scientific discovery and innovation
Curriculum and Training Sequence
PGY-1: Internship and Research Exploration
Research Track residents begin with a joint PGY-1 internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami. During this time, they will have an elective block dedicated to research to familiarize themselves with the researchers at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute as well as collaborators throughout the University of Miami. They will also complete 3 months of ophthalmology clinical training.
Dedicated Research Year
Following PGY-1, the Research Track resident will complete a one-year research experience under mentorship supervision with self-identified mentor and research domain. This dedicated year is designed to develop advanced research skills, academic expertise, and experience in ophthalmic investigation under faculty mentorship. The trainee will continue to have clinical touchpoints throughout the year to maintain their clinical and procedural skills.
Three-Year Clinical Ophthalmology Residency
Upon completion of the research year, Research Track residents enter the three-year clinical ophthalmology residency alongside their peers in the traditional training pathway. Residents receive comprehensive training across all ophthalmic subspecialties while continuing to engage in scholarly and research activities. Protected opportunities for research and academic development will continue throughout residency.
Research Opportunities
Bascom Palmer faculty conduct research across numerous areas of ophthalmology and vision science. Residents may have opportunities to participate in research involving:
- Retina and vitreoretinal disease
- Glaucoma
- Cornea and ocular surface disease
- Ocular oncology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Ocular genetics and inherited eye disease
- Vision science
- Artificial intelligence and imaging technologies
- Clinical trials
- Translational medicine
- Population health and outcomes research
Research opportunities and participating faculty mentors are continually evolving and will be discussed with residents during mentor selection.
Mentorship
A cornerstone of the Research Track is individualized mentorship. Residents work closely with experienced faculty investigators to develop personalized research plans aligned with their interests and long-term career goals. Faculty mentors provide guidance in project development, scientific methodology, manuscript preparation, presentation skills, grant development, and career planning. Additional information regarding participating faculty mentors and research laboratories will be available as the program develops.Career Development
The Research Track is intended for residents pursuing long-term careers in academic ophthalmology, physician-scientist leadership, and vision research. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for careers involving:
- Academic ophthalmology
- Clinical investigation
- Translational research
- Vision science
- Clinical trials leadership
- Innovation and technology development
- Future fellowship and research training opportunities
Application Information
Applicants interested in the Research Track must apply through the San Francisco Matching Program's Central Application Service (CAS) and meet all eligibility requirements for the Bascom Palmer Ophthalmology Residency Program. Additional application requirements and supplemental materials specific to the Research Track will be outlined on the How to Apply page.Contact
Damarys Menendez
Sr. Manager, Residency and Fellowship Programs
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
900 N.W. 17th Street
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-326-6032
Email: d.menendez3@med.miami.edu