All incoming residents are given an orientation course in July and August to provide them with a foundation and background in the principles of ophthalmology, ophthalmic examination, and diagnosis. Throughout July and August, lectures are scheduled by each sub-specialty specifically for the first-year residents. The didactic portion of the teaching program for all residents begins in September of each year and continues through June. It consists of sub-specialty service conferences, basic science lectures, departmental rounds, and hospital section meetings. A regional ophthalmology meeting with visiting professors is hosted monthly during the fall and spring semesters. 

Each resident is expected to conduct independent outside reading throughout the residency program. The department provides digital access to the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Series for each resident via the USF Library. Residents are required to complete an annual mandatory research project for each year of residency. This project will be supervised by a faculty.