Internal Pathway

For US and Canadian applicants who have recently completed an ASOPRS-approved fellowship

Upon completion of an ASOPRS-approved fellowship, candidates have one (1) year to apply and three (3) years to complete all steps in the application process. The successful candidate is inducted into the Society as a Fellow with full voting privileges. The Internal Pathway of membership is not applicable to graduates of ASOPRS-approved international fellowships. 

The Internal Pathway requires the following components:

  • Membership application
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Thesis
  • Written and oral entrance examinations

 

Membership Application
The online application must be completed prior to submitting a thesis or registering for the entrance exams. The following documentation is required in the application:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (pdf)
  2. American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) certificate or equivalent for Canadian applicants (pdf); if board certification has not been achieved at the time of membership application, it can be submitted at a later date
  3. State licensure dates

Application Deadline: one year after graduation from an ASOPRS-approved fellowship (no later than July 1st the year after completion of ASOPRS-approved fellowship training). 

Letters of Recommendation
Four (4) letters of recommendation are required for membership application. The letters must be emailed directly to [email protected] by the following letter writers:

  • Residency Director - recommendation and statement of successful completion
  • Fellowship Director - recommendation and statement of successful completion
  • Two recommendations from current ASOPRS members of at least 5 years

Thesis 
Thesis submission during fellowship is highly recommended to utilize program director and core faculty support and mentorship, as well as research infrastructure. For more information, including suitable thesis topics and submission requirements, see Thesis Submissions. 

There are two thesis submission periods each year:
  - Spring (due March 1) - authors who submit their thesis in the spring are not eligible for induction that same year
  - Fall (due October 1) - authors who submit their thesis in the fall are not eligible for the Marvin Quickert Thesis Award

Thesis Deadline: The thesis must be accepted no more than four (4) years after completion of an ASOPRS-approved fellowship; as a thesis may require minor or major revisions, it is advised to not wait until the last available deadline.

Entrance Examinations
ASOPRS written and oral entrance examinations are offered annually on the day before the ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. Candidates are eligible to sit for the exams the fall after completing an ASOPRS-approved fellowship. For more information, see Entrance Examinations.

 

Exam Deadline: Candidates must pass both exams no later than four (4) years after completion of fellowship training.

 

Induction

Successful candidates will be inducted during the Spring Scientific Symposium. All membership requirements (including thesis acceptance) and supporting documents must be completed and received by January 31 to be eligible for induction that year. 

Sample Timeline

YEAR 1 (Second year of fellowship)
Jan/Feb       Complete online membership application
March 1         Thesis submission
Summer       Fellowship completion
Fall                 Written and oral entrance exams

YEAR 2
Jan 31           All documentation and letters of recommendation due
Spring          Induction to ASOPRS at Spring Scientific Symposium