Assessing the Competitiveness of Applicants in the Ophthalmology Match Based on Interest in Pediatric Ophthalmology

The number of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (PO&S) fellowship positions filled each year remains consistently lower compared with other subspecialities. It is unclear where along the recruitment pathway trainees interested in pediatrics decide to select other subspecialities. This study assesses for differences in the competitiveness of ophthalmology residency applicants based on interest in PO&S, which may impact their ability to matriculate into residency.