– Among the highest surgical numbers in the country with recent graduates completing upwards of 750 full cataract cases, in addition to equally impressive numbers in other sub-specialty surgeries

– Large catchment area serving more than 2 million individuals, resulting in great depth and breadth of case presentations and surgical opportunities

– Over 50 staff ophthalmologists associated with the program, offering one of the highest staff-to-resident ratios in the country. With only 10 residents in the program at any given time, trainees are given early opportunities to participate in complex ORs which are often reserved for more senior residents or fellows at other programs. 

– Only a 1-hour drive from Banff and the Rocky Mountains – some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, with ample opportunity for outdoor activities at any skill level, including hiking, biking, golfing, climbing, skiing/snowboarding, kayaking, fishing, and more. 

The Calgary Ophthalmology Residency Program (CORP) is a fully accredited 5-year Royal College residency program that was founded in 2003. In recent years, CORP has established itself as one of the preeminent programs in Canada. CORP prides itself in offering some of the highest surgical volumes in North America. Through a unique agreement with non-hospital surgical facilities, residents will routinely graduate with upwards of 750 full cataract cases. 

With over 50 staff surgeons affiliated with the program, CORP has one of the highest staff-to-resident ratios in the country with strong representation in all subspecialties of ophthalmology (3 neuro-ophthalmologists, 3 oculoplastic surgeons, 4 cornea specialists, 4 glaucoma specialists, 5 pediatric ophthalmologists, 6 retinal surgeons, 1 uveitis specialist, 2 ocular oncologists and 2 ocular pathologists). As such, residents are exposed to considerable expertise across sub-disciplines, and achieve substantial depth and breadth in both clinical and surgical ophthalmological training.

Calgary is a major tertiary care centre serving Western Canada and has one of the largest catchment areas in the country. While on general call, the resident will cover the Calgary Zone which serves upwards of 1.4 million people. Certain subspecialties (neuro-ophthalmology, retinal surgery, ocular oncology) serve a population greater than 2 million, including patients from Southern Alberta, Interior British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Territories. Calgary residents routinely participate in the diagnosis and treatment of rare entities otherwise relegated to the training manuals. 

CORP offers diverse learning opportunities through a variety of avenues including journal clubs, subspecialty dedicated group teaching, academic half-days, case rounds, M&M rounds and wet lab training. Residents have access to a Wetlab with brand new equipment, 4 operational surgical microscopes and a functional Phacoemulsification machine. Through the Lions Eye Bank of Southern Alberta, residents regularly have access to cadaveric eyes to practice surgical techniques. Residents also have 24/7 access to an updated Eyesi surgical simulator.

CORP supplements these robust learning opportunities with review courses. At the end of the PGY-1 Year, residents attend the Toronto Ophthalmology Resident Introductory Course (TORIC). At the conclusion of the PGY-2 Year, residents attend the Bay Area Ophthalmology course hosted by Stanford University. Finally in the PGY-4 and PGY-5 year, residents have the opportunity to attend a 1-week review session of their choosing.

Our program is flexible and can cater to residents’ individual interests. CORP is invested in the success of their residents and will actively support their career goals by modifying the program to meet their needs. CORP has a mentorship component to pair every resident with a mentor who they can discuss life goals with and specifics in their training and/or career development.

How many residents do you take a year?

We take two residents per year.

Where do residents spend most of their time?

Residents spend time at the Rockyview General Hospital Eye Clinic, different private ophthalmology clinics in the city, and also operating rooms at the Rockyview General Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, and private surgical theatres in the community.

What rotations do ophthalmology residents do in first year?

Residents do rotations in emergency medicine, neuro-radiology, ocular pathology, pediatric medicine, internal medicine, pediatric plastic surgery, ENT, neurology and two weeks of ophthalmology before attending TORIC.

What have graduates gone on to pursue?

Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in comprehensive ophthalmology, fellowships in uveitis, retina, glaucoma, and other subspecialties!

Where can I learn more about the Calgary Ophthalmology program?

More information can be found on the Calgary Ophthalmology Residency Program website, at www.calgaryophthalmology.ca