To evaluate the adequacy and efficiency of training programs of ophthalmology residency in Iran for achieving the planned objectives in their program, as well as to evaluate the proficiency of such programs in preparing residents to enter independent clinical practice as a general ophthalmologist.

A closed-ended questionnaire was distributed between 89 residents or recently graduated ophthalmologists of Farabi Eye Hospital in Iran to measure their level of satisfaction about outpatient clinics and training in the operating rooms and scientific programs in the four-year long course of residency.

Subjects generally expressed high amount of satisfaction with their programs in the residency era. The most frequently expressed weakness in their training was in the field of didactic and intellectual teaching. Most of the subjects proclaimed that the time for didactic teaching should be increased in nearly all subspecialty fields. All of the subjects declared to have plans for a post-residency fellowship. In the aspect of number of surgical procedures, and suitability of course duration for different subspecialty fields, subjects were satisfied in all fields but retina, that some of them believed it is longer than needed.

Residents in Farabi eye hospital retain a high level of satisfaction in achieving many of the key competencies for practice. Modification of current curricula in terms of quality is needed to improve the educational experiences of newly trained ophthalmologists.