Impact of Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program Scores and Surgical Volume on Subspecialty Fellowship Application in Ophthalmology Residency: Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundOphthalmology residents take the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) exam annually, which provides percentile rank for multiple categories and the total score. In addition, ophthalmology residency training programs have multiple subspecialty rotations with defined minimum procedure requirements. However, residents’ surgical volumes vary, with some residents exceeding their peers in specific subspecialty rotations. ObjectiveThis study aims to identify if there is a difference in OKAP examination scores and surgical volume exposure during ophthalmology residency training between nonfellowship and fellowship applicants and among various subspecialties. MethodsA retrospective review of OKAP scores and surgical procedure numbers of graduating residents in an accredited academic ophthalmology residency program in the Midwest United States was conducted. Data were collected from 2012 to 2022. ResultsA total of 31 residents were identified. Most residents decided to pursue fellowship training upon graduation (20/31, 65% residents), and the rest chose to practice comprehensive ophthalmology (11/31, 35% residents). A total of 18/31 residents had OKAP score reports available. The fellowship group outperformed the nonfellowship group in multiple subsections and the total exam (PPPPPPPP ConclusionsIn our program, residents pursuing fellowship training had higher OKAP scores on multiple sections and the total exam. There was no significant difference in the overall surgical volume averages between fellowship and nonfellowship groups, but few differences existed in subspecialty procedures among fellowship applicants. Larger multicenter studies are needed to clarify the relationship between OKAP scores and ophthalmology fellowship decisions nationwide.