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.

Selected participants are expected to:

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

Friday Evening March 19th: Arrive by 6:00 pm to join the Welcome Dinner, meet fellow participants, and engage in career development discussions with faculty.

Saturday March 20th: 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 March 21st: 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 (ends on March 23rd) will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred. 

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. 

• ​​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. 

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)

A committee of NANOS faculty educators representing neurology and ophthalmology will review all applications using a holistic process that looks for curiosity, motivation, and genuine interest in exploring neuro-ophthalmology. We consider each resident's background, goals, and reasons for applying, with an emphasis on identifying individuals who will benefit most from this immersive experience. Our aim is to support residents who are still discovering their path and want to learn more about this specialty—not to exclude anyone. Every application is read carefully, thoughtfully, and with the understanding that residents come from diverse training environments and levels of exposure.

Each application will be independently reviewed by two committee members.

Committee members will recuse themselves from evaluating applicants:

• From their own institutions
• 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.

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.