Ophthalmology Residency Program
The TEAM Ophthalmology Residency Program is the cornerstone of our mission to expand access to high-quality eye care throughout South Texas.
By training the next generation of ophthalmologists in an environment that values clinical excellence, academic rigor, and compassionate service, TEAM is building a sustainable solution to a long-standing regional health crisis.
Our mission is to establish a sustainable, ACGME-accredited residency that blends outstanding medical education with clinical innovation, research, and community outreach.
The Ophthalmology program’s vision is to create a pipeline of physician-leaders who will provide world-class vision care while addressing the unique needs of underserved communities.
Mission & Vision
Why This Program Matters
South Texas faces a severe shortage of ophthalmologists and some of the nation’s highest rates of preventable blindness.
Many patients must wait months—or travel hours—for essential eye surgeries and subspecialty treatments. The TEAM Ophthalmology Residency is designed to reverse these trends by producing highly trained physicians who are committed to practicing in the region.
By training the next generation of ophthalmologists right here in South Texas, TEAM is building a future where every patient—no matter their ZIP code—has access to the advanced eye care they deserve.
Training Sites
Primary training and program headquarters will take place at the new Mein Eye Institute at Brooks City Base, a state-of-the-art facility designed for both academic instruction and patient care.
Additional rotations will be hosted by a network of respected partners across South Texas, ensuring broad clinical exposure and a deep understanding of the region’s diverse patient population.
Distinguished Faculty
Residents will learn from an exceptional team of educators and researchers, led by:
Dr. William E. Sponsel – Department Chair & Professor of Glaucoma and Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Dr. Sharron Acosta – Program Director & Associate Professor of Comprehensive Ophthalmology
They are joined by a distinguished group of subspecialists in retina, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and uveitis, each bringing decades of experience and groundbreaking research to the program.
Program Overview
Sponsoring Institutions: Texas Institute of Graduate Medical Education and Research (TIGMER)
Teaching Institution: Texas Educational Academic Medical Foundation (TEAM)
Program Duration: 3 years (PGY-2 through PGY-4) following a PGY-1 internship year
Launch Timeline: First PGY-1 Ophthalmology Resident began internship in July 2025; the PGY-2 begins July 2026
Ophthalmology Residents will rotate through all major subspecialties—including retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatrics, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, refractive surgery, and uveitis—while participating in clinical research and community service initiatives.
A Commitment to Community & the Future of Vision Care
Beyond exceptional clinical training, the TEAM Ophthalmology Residency is rooted in community engagement and long-term impact. Residents participate in outreach clinics, patient-education programs, and preventive-care initiatives to reduce the burden of vision loss in underserved neighborhoods. Through philanthropy, clinical partnerships, and academic collaboration, TEAM is creating a lasting legacy of eye-care excellence in South Texas—ensuring graduates emerge not only as skilled surgeons but as compassionate advocates for public health. Whether you are a prospective resident, a community partner, or a supporter of our mission, your involvement helps secure a healthier, brighter future for the region.