Evaluating Content and Accessibility of Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship Program Websites in the United States and Canada

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-2026

Publication Title

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science

Abstract

Purpose : Fellowship training has become an increasingly common pathway for ophthalmology residents; however, interest in neuro ophthalmology fellowships has not grown proportionally, in part due to misconceptions about operative exposure and scope of practice. This study evaluates the accessibility, content, and completeness of neuro ophthalmology fellowship websites in the United States and Canada.

Methods : A cross-sectional review was performed using programs listed on the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Fellowship Compliance Committee database, the San Francisco Match, and the North American Neuro Ophthalmology Society website. A standardized Google search was used to identify fellowship-specific websites, and programs without an accessible English-language site were excluded. Website content was evaluated using 20 predefined criteria (10 recruitment-related and 10 educational) derived from AUPO guidelines, prior website analyses, and applicant preference surveys. Additional variables included departmental affiliation, resident eligibility, and description of surgical training. Programs were stratified by number of fellows, faculty size, top 12 institutional affiliation, and geographic region. Statistical comparisons were conducted using t-tests and one-way ANOVAs.

Results : Forty-four programs were identified, including 39 AUPO-compliant fellowships. Among compliant programs, 35 (89.7%) had an active website. On average, sites reported 4.91 recruitment criteria, 6.54 educational criteria, and 11.46 of 20 total criteria (57.3%). Educational details, including affiliated hospitals (94.5%) and research opportunities (91.9%), were commonly included. Recruitment information, such as salary and benefits (40.6%), current fellows (24.3 %), and alumni placement (13.6%), was less frequently reported. Surgical training was clearly described in 31% of programs, mentioned without specifying eligibility in 11%, and not addressed in 47%.

Conclusions : Neuro ophthalmology fellowship websites show high accessibility but limited completeness, particularly regarding recruitment and surgical training. Standardizing website content and improving transparency may enhance applicant program alignment, address misconceptions, and strengthen interest in the subspecialty.

Volume

67

Issue

7

First Page

OD149

Comments

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, May 3-7, 2026, Denver, CO

Last Page

OD149

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS