Purpose: We descriptively and comparatively evaluated the comprehensiveness of Canadian and US-accredited ophthalmology residency program websites as of August 28, 2024.
Methods: Using Canadian Resident Matching Service (n = 15) and US Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (n = 125), we assessed website content across seven criteria: recruitment, faculty, residents, education/research, teaching, benefits, and community. Two independent reviewers used a 40-point system, with Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc pairwise tests for analysis by country and funding model.
Results: US programs more frequently had highly comprehensive websites than Canadian programs (US: 74.4%, Canada: 40%). Canadian programs mostly achieved moderate comprehensiveness (Canada: 60%, US: 22.4%). Larger program size and US origin were significantly linked to higher comprehensiveness scores (p < .01).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that US-based, larger programs offer more extensive online resources. We recommend standardized guidelines to improve residency program website transparency and accessibility for medical learners.
Keywords: Medical education; North America; ophthalmology; residency; website.