Comparative analysis of European residency programs: benchmarking and harmonizing ophthalmology training in Europe

Background/objectives This study aims to benchmark the training programs of European ophthalmology residents. Subjects/Methods An online survey, aimed at European ophthalmology residents in training and those within two years of completion, was sent through the national representatives of the European Society of Ophthalmology, Young Ophthalmologists section (SOE-YO). The study involved 214 subjects representing 36 of the 44 European countries offering ophthalmology training programs. Results Among the surveyed, 74.8% of participants had an official national curriculum; 55.8% had a national specialty examination to accredit their training as ophthalmologists. 45.8% were satisfied or very satisfied with the clinical skills acquired, while 42.1% were completely dissatisfied with the surgical skills achieved. Considering the 4th year residents (mean duration of the residency), many of them did not perform phacoemulsification surgery (34%), pterygium excision (46.9%), or repair of eyelid laceration (31.3%). Conclusions There is great heterogeneity in the competencies achieved by residents in training according to their country of origin, especially in terms of surgical competences.