Visiting electives can feel like one of the most stressful parts of applying to ophthalmology.  Between AFMC applications, scheduling constraints, and the pressure to “get it right,” many students worry that a single misstep could cost them a match.

In a recent COSIG-hosted webinar, Dr. Tyler Herod (R1, University of Saskatchewan), Arjav Gupta (M4, Northern Ontario School of Medicine), Clara Wang (M4, McGill University), and Dana Tomaeh (M4, McGill University), shared their experiences navigating visiting electives across Canada. Their paths looked very different, but their advice converged on a few key principles.

There is no single “correct” elective strategy

Some panelists aimed to split their eight weeks across multiple programs, while others prioritized sites where their background and interests would be understood. Several plans changed due to scheduling issues, lotteries, or logistics. Despite this variability, all panelists emphasized the same message: flexibility matters more than a perfectly optimized plan.

Understand the system, then work within it

Visiting electives in Canada are centralized through the AFMC portal. Students apply to two-week blocks, can submit a limited number of applications per round, and are subject to a lottery when demand exceeds capacity. Fees are non-trivial, and timelines are fixed.

The takeaway? Apply early, apply broadly, and expect randomness. 

Delays in paperwork are one of the few preventable stressors in the process. Staying organized with deadlines, confirmation emails, and site-specific requirements reduces avoidable last-minute complications.

Preparation is about honesty, not perfection

Panelists encouraged students to be upfront about their level of ophthalmology exposure. Those who demonstrated effort through pre-reading, skill refreshers, or daily learning goals were often rewarded with more teaching and trust.

Preparation was most effective when tailored to the site: surgical flow for OR-heavy electives, neuro-ophthalmology reading for neuro focused-elective, or focused slit-lamp practice when needed.

Letters come from fit, not force

Strong reference letters tended to come from sustained interactions where rapport developed naturally. Panelists recommended directly asking whether a preceptor would be comfortable writing a strong letter and not forcing a request when the fit felt off.

Research-related letters in ophthalmology were supported by the panel, but general advice was to have most letters (2 of 3) clinically based. Backup letters were also unanimously encouraged, particularly given the unpredictability of schedules and life events.

Panelists also advised identifying potential letter writers early in the elective and seeking formative feedback before the rotation ends. Letters are strongest when built on clear examples of growth, teamwork, and reliability.

Bottom line: Visiting electives are not about executing a flawless strategy. They’re about showing up prepared, adaptable, and collegial within a constrained system. The program wants to assess if you will be a good colleague/resident, but it is equally as important for you to assess whether the program will support you in being a good resident and future doctor. Many paths lead to successful matches, and none require perfection. 

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