Applicants must:

• ​​Be enrolled in an accredited Neurology or Ophthalmology residency program in the US or Canada.
• Demonstrate interest in neuro-ophthalmology.
• Not already be committed to a neuro-ophthalmology fellowship program.

Applicants will submit:

• Online application form.
• Statement of Interest (see below) 
• Current Curriculum Vitae.
• Letter of support from Program Director
• Optional letter of recommendation from a neuro-ophthalmology faculty member or another faculty member.

Statement of Interest: Applicants should submit 200–300 words, addressing all of the following:

• What exposure to neuro-ophthalmology have you had at your institution, and/or elsewhere?
• Why are you interested in neuro-ophthalmology?
• How would participation in the NANOS Resident Education Program support your career development?
• PLEASE NOTE: Personal statements and letters of support must be the original work of the applicant and referee. Using generative AI to write or substantially edit these documents is not permitted. 

Key Activities and Dates:

• July 2026 - September 30, 2026: Application Portal Open
• October 2026: Committee Review
• Early November 2026: Applicant Notification
• Mid-November 2026: Acceptance Deadline
• March 2027: Resident Education Program (in San Diego)

Applications will undergo holistic review by a committee of NANOS faculty educators representing neurology and ophthalmology.

Each application will be independently reviewed by two committee members.

Committee members will recuse themselves from evaluating applicants:

• F​​rom their own institution;
• With whom they have had a prior professional relationship;
• With whom they have a personal relationship.

Applications requiring recusal will be reassigned to another reviewer.

The committee will strive to maintain broad geographic, institutional, and specialty representation within the cohort.

Multiple applicants from the same institution may be selected if deemed appropriate.

Applicants will be scored on a 16-point scale.

Interest in Neuro-Ophthalmology (0–4 points)

     1 — Minimal evidence of interest
     2 — General curiosity regarding the field
     3 — Clear enthusiasm and engagement
     4 — Exceptional initiative or commitment despite limited opportunities

Statement of Interest Quality (0–4 points)

     1 — Limited reflection or insight
     2 — Adequate discussion of interest
     3 — Thoughtful and compelling reflection
     4 — Exceptional insight and motivation

Program Director Support (0–4 points)

     1 — Adequate support
     2 — Strong support
     3 — Exceptional endorsement
​​​​​​​     4 — Outstanding endorsement with specific examples

Potential Benefit from Program (0–4 points)

     ​​​​​​​1 — Limited additional benefit expected
     2 — Moderate benefit anticipated
     3 — Strong potential benefit
​​​​​​​     4 — Minimal exposure and likely to derive exceptional benefit from participation

Reviewers will also provide an overall recommendation:

     1 — Do not select
     2 — Select if space available
     3 — Recommend
​​​​​​​     4 — Strongly recommend
     ​​​​​​​5 — Exceptional candidate

Reviewers may provide comments regarding exceptional strengths or concerns. 

If fewer than 50 qualified applications are received, all applicants will be offered participation.

If more than 50 qualified applications are received, the committee will conduct holistic review to ensure a balanced cohort representing diverse institutions, specialties, and experience. 

An alternate list may be utilized to replace participants who withdraw. 

Selected participants are expected to:

• Attend all required educational sessions.
• Participate in networking events and mentorship activities.
• Complete post-event evaluations.
• Engage professional with faculty and peers.

Friday Evening: Arrive by 6:00 pm to join the Welcome Dinner, meet fellow participants, and engage in career development discussions with faculty.

Saturday: Participate in a full day of immersive learning through the Resident Course, followed by opportunities to network at the Member-in-Training Reception. End the day at the Annual Meeting Welcome Dinner with all attendees and a featured keynote speaker.

Sunday Morning: Continue the conversation through engaging faculty-led breakfast discussions.

Optional: Residents are encouraged to remain for the Walsh Session on Sunday, a signature educational event at the NANOS Annual Meeting.

The Resident Educational Program is designed to complement the NANOS Annual Meeting experience and will not overlap with the poster session.

Residents who choose to extend their stay for the full NANOS meeting will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred. 

• ​​Participation is limited to the in-person event; there will be no virtual option. 
• Participants who withdraw should notify NANOS by the designated cancellation deadline.
• Travel, lodging (3 nights) and meals for the duration of the education program are covered.
• Travel reimbursement policies will be determined by NNAOS and communicated to accepted participants.
• Attendance will be monitored. Failure to participate in required programming many result in forfeiture of travel reimbursement.