Let me begin by stating I have tremendous respect for each of the highly ranked ophthalmology programs in U.S.

News and World Report, Doximity Residency Navigator, and Ophthalmology Times.

These programs epitomize academic ophthalmology and the essential role academic ophthalmology plays in advancing eye care through education, research, and community outreach.

My concern has to do with the intent of ophthalmology rankings, the process

used to determine them, and the inordinate value placed on the results.

Despite lack of validity, ophthalmology ran continue to drive behavior among key stakeholders.

Ranking organizations solicit participation from physicians to confer

legitimacy and maximize physician engagement.

In turn, ophthalmology programs market rankings to attract patients, recruit

faculty and trainees, and support fundraising. Finally, patients and medical students consider the rankings as they struggle to make critical health care and educational training decisions.