Residency Manual

11

Application Procedure A. Eligibility

IV.

SUNY Optometry affiliated residency programs are available to graduates of schools and colleges of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (website: www.theacoe.org or email: accredit@theacoe.org). B. Process Candidates must follow the guidelines established by ORMatch. This matching service is utilized for all residency programs (Except for military sponsored programs, specifically, Womack Residency program). The website for information and application through ORMatch is: https://www.natmatch.com/ormatch/index.html (Please refer to this website for the latest of information). A summary of the application process is described below. This information reflects the selection cycle dates for 2025 (Class of 2025). Updates for 2026 (Class of 2026) will be posted by the fall of 2025 on the ORMatch website . 1. Research programs of interest and contact the supervisors of the programs that interest you. (It is recommended that this be done as early as possible. It is also recommended to register for ORMatch prior to December 31). 2. Identify and confirm 3 individuals to write letters of recommendation. 3. Gather applicant information that contains: *Curriculum vitae *NBEO scores *Optometry school transcripts *Letter of Intent *Email addresses for reference letter writers (3 letters of reference needed) (Note: those writing the letters will upload their letters to ORMatch System) 4. Submit a completed application and application fee by January 31. 5. After completing the interview process, complete the Applicant’s Ranking Form by March 1. Prospective residents currently on an F-1 visa must apply for an OPT visa in a timely manner. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits applicants to apply up to 90 days before completion of their degree program. However, it is critical that the OPT visa is applied for as close to that 90-day opening date as possible, as case processing times have increased dramatically and is unpredictable, and may take up to 5 months to complete. Prospective residents should contact the Designated School Official (DSO) at their current institution to begin the process.