Ophthalmology. The resident's perspective.

To determine how and why current residents in ophthalmology chose their medical specialty, we formulated and distributed a questionnaire to all ophthalmology residents in accredited programs. The results of the survey gave insight into not only their decision-making processes in choosing ophthalmology, but also their backgrounds, the factors that were important in choosing their residency program, and their future plans in ophthalmology. A wide variety of factors was involved in the decision to pursue a career in ophthalmology. In addition, we found current residents to be well qualified academically and generally satisfied with their decision to enter ophthalmology.