Ophthalmology

Residency Program


Welcome to the UMKC Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program

The UMKC School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology was founded in 1971 with a mission to train the next generation of ophthalmologists, provide excellent patient care, and conduct clinical research. Since its inception, the program has trained more than 100 residents and fellows who have gone on to practice worldwide as leaders in the profession. The program is now based at University Health’s state-of-the-art medical facility. The Eye Foundation was established in 1987 to support the Department. The three-year residency program has a total of nine residents—three at each level. Fellowships exist in both pediatric ophthalmology and retina subspecialties.

The Department’s nationally recognized residency program offers three openings each year for qualified candidates. Clinical experiences are provided at five affiliated institutions:

  • University Health Truman Medical Center – Hospital Hill (UHTMC)
  • University Health Lakewood Medical Center – Lakewood (UHLMC)
  • Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH)
  • Saint Luke’s Hospital (SLH)
  • Research Medical Center (RMC)

Fully accredited since 1971, the residency program offers a strong foundation comprised:

  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Diversity of patients/cases
  • Excellent teaching staff
  • Innovative procedures
  • Research opportunities

In addition to developing a strong knowledge base in general ophthalmology, residents have extensive exposure to subspecialty areas such as:

  • Cataract surgery technique
  • Glaucoma
  • Retina/vitreous
  • Cornea and external disease
  • Inflammatory disorders
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Oculoplastics
  • Low-vision rehabilitation
  • Contact lenses
  • Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus
  • Ocular pathology
  • Refractive surgery

Board-certified ophthalmologists supervise residents in surgery and in the clinic. These staff physicians are always present to provide advice and guidance.


Matthew Sniegowski, M.D.
Residency Program Director		 The UMKC School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program trains physicians during a three-year ophthalmology program to be well-rounded ophthalmology clinicians and surgeons. The first year provides a strong base in comprehensive ophthalmology and all ophthalmology subspecialties with an introduction to ophthalmic surgery. The second year further hones residents’ diagnostic and therapeutic skills, along with greater exposure to cataract, strabismus, pediatric and oculoplastic surgery. The final year of the residency increases residents’ independence, expands their supervisory role over younger residents, and fine-tunes residents’ surgical techniques in all areas of ophthalmology.