Optometric Residency Programs
Accreditation resources and information applicable to optometric residency programs.
Standards
2025 Optometric Residency Program Standards (adopted October 2023, updated February 2025). Beginning July 1, 2025, all optometric residency programs must demonstrate compliance with these Standards. Programs may opt to be evaluated under the new 2025 Standards prior to July 1, 2025.
Summary of Changes between the 2017 Standards and the 2025 Standards (updated February 2025).
ACOE March 15, 2024 memo regarding Examples of Evidence for 2025 Optometric Residency Standards 2.2 and 2.3.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Residency Standards (March 2025). The FAQs are a resource for programs, evaluation visit team members, Council members and the public, promoting clarity and consistency in the interpretation and application of the ACOE’s Accreditation Standards.
ACOE March 24, 2025 Memo related to Guidance and Resources for Residency Programs.
Clarification of Residency Specialty and Areas of Emphasis
Evaluation Visit Resources
ACOE Residency Self-Study Template 2025 Standards (March 2025). The template provides programs with instructions, guidance, and a format to use when developing a self-study. The template is structured to emphasize that the submission of evidence is the primary mechanism to demonstrate compliance with the Standards.
Guidelines for Electronic Submission of an Optometric Residency Self-Study provides guidelines for residencies to submit self-studies electronically.
Other Information
The ACOE Glossary defines italicized words and acronyms used in the ACOE Policy and Procedure Manual and in the ACOE's accreditation Standards.
The ACOE Glossary defines italicized words and acronyms used in the ACOE Policy and Procedure Manual and in the ACOE's accreditation Standards.