RESIDENCY IN OCULAR DISEASE

SOUTHERN EYE ASSOCIATES

affiliated with

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

Memphis, Tennessee

PROGRAM MISSION

The Residency Program in Ocular Disease at Southern Eye Associates provides qualified optometrists with advanced clinical education in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease that will foster their development into exceptional clinicians offering specialized skills in the management of all types of ocular disease.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Strengthen the resident’s expertise in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.

Objective 1:	The resident will develop advanced expertise in the management of patients with retinal disease, glaucoma, anterior segment disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease and refractive surgery.
Outcome:	The resident will complete a minimum of 2000 patient encounters with patients presenting with ocular disease.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number and type of patient encounters using the patient encounter log and summary forms.

Objective 2:	The resident will perform the appropriate diagnostic procedures.
Outcome:	The resident will consistently select and successfully perform the proper diagnostic procedures for each patient.
Measure:	The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to determine if the appropriate level of technical and cognitive ability is being exhibited.

Objective 3:	The resident will determine the correct diagnoses for each patient.
Outcome:	The resident will consistently select the correct diagnosis for each patient with increasing independence as the residency program progresses. During the first quarter the resident will be closely observed by the supervisor or other attending doctor; by the third quarter the resident will be able to operate independently.
Measure:	The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the appropriateness of the resident’s diagnostic ability.

Objective 4:	The resident will determine the best management based on the diagnoses.
Outcome:	The resident will consistently devise an appropriate management plan for each patient in order to best address the patient’s needs.
Measure:	The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor in consultation with other attending doctors to assess the resident’s management skills.

Goal 2: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.

Objective 1:	The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting ophthalmic ultrasonography.
Outcome:	The resident will perform minimum of 15 ophthalmic ultrasonography procedures (A-scans & B-scans) and interpret the results.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Objective 2:	The resident will develop expertise in interpreting ophthalmic fluorescein angiography.
Outcome:	The resident will perform a minimum of 20 angiographies and interpret all ophthalmic fluorescein angiography procedures performed at Southern Eye Associates and return the results to the doctor who ordered the test.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of fluorescein angiography analyses using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Objective 3:	The resident will develop expertise in performing fundus photography.
Outcome:	The resident will perform fundus photography on a minimum of 50 patients.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Objective 4:	The resident will develop expertise in ordering and interpreting relevant laboratory procedures.
Outcome:	The resident will order laboratory procedures on a minimum of 25 patients.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Objective 5:	The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting scanning laser polarimetry (GDx laser scanner)
Outcome:	The resident will perform scanning laser polarimetry on a minimum of 25 patients and interpret all scanning laser polarimetry performed at Southern Eye Associates and return the results to the doctor who ordered the test.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Objective 6:	The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting corneal topography.
Outcome:	The resident will perform and interpret corneal topography on a minimum of 25 patients.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Goal 3: Expand the resident’s knowledge in the care of refractive surgery patients.

Objective:	The resident will develop expertise in evaluating patients for refractive surgery and providing pre- and post-operative refractive surgical care. (LASIK, PRK, CK, Refractive Lensectomy, ICL)
Outcome:	The resident will provide pre-operative refractive surgical evaluations and post-operative care to a minimum of 200 patients.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary forms.

Goal 4: Increase the resident’s knowledge of systemic diseases and their treatment.

Objective:	The resident will acquire additional knowledge of systemic disease and treatment, particularly those systemic diseases with significant ocular manifestations.
Outcome:	The resident will participate with non-optometric providers in management of patients with systemic disease. The resident will participate in relevant presentations and conferences on systemic disease.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters and participation in conferences of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Goal 5: Develop the resident’s skill in presenting topics to fellow professionals.

Objective:	The resident will acquire and practice skills needed to effectively present information to other professionals in group settings.
Outcome:	The resident will present at least one lecture per quarter during the regular Residency Conference, one grand rounds at Southern Eye Associates for the residents, one grand rounds/lecture for the center’s referring doctor network, produce a poster for any major optometric meeting, and present workshops to teach student externs primary and secondary eye care procedures.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on these types of activities using the activity summary.

Goal 6: Instill in the resident an appreciation of the importance of scholarly activity.

Objective 1:	Educate the resident in the preparation of a professional manuscript.
Outcome:	The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript on an approved topic.
Measure:	The resident will complete the manuscript by April 15.

Objective 2:	Familiarize the resident with the design, implementation, and analysis of clinical research projects.
Outcome:	The resident will participate in data collection and analysis of data for research projects ongoing at the center.
Measure:	The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to determine if the appropriate level of progress in scholarly activities is being achieved.

Goal 7: Provide the resident with the opportunity to become an effective clinical educator.

Objective:	The resident will supervise optometry student clinicians in the provision services to patients.
Outcome:	The resident will mentor and oversee the optometry students during the final nine months of the residency.
Measure:	The resident will report the number of patient encounters of this type on the monthly patient encounter logs and activity summary.

Goal 8: The resident will acquire a practical understanding of patient coding, billing, and practice management in a co-management clinical setting.

Objective:	The resident will become familiar with the encounter/billing forms, and clinical chart recording requirements for proper billing.
Outcome:	The resident will log accurate diagnosis ICD codes, as well as appropriate office visit billing codes on the patient billing form and will attend one Cope approved lecture per year at the center on coding and billing.
Measure:	The results of regular review of the resident's billing/encounter forms by the Supervisor or other attending doctor at Southern Eye Associates and by internal/external audits will be reflected in the quarterly resident evaluations.

CURRICULUM

PROGRAM GOAL 1
Objective	The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency in clinical care of patients with ocular disease.
Learning Activity	The resident will provide optometric services to a minimum of 2000 patients ocular disease at Southern Eye Associates.
Outcome	The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency because of the complexity and variety of patient encounters.

PROGRAM GOAL 2
Objective	The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency in the use of specialized ocular diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.
Learning Activity	The resident will utilize A-scan & B-scan ultrasonography, fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, laser scanning polarimetry, and corneal topography in the care of patients.
Outcome	The resident will be able to utilize advanced diagnostic procedures for maximum benefit in the care of patients with ocular disease.

PROGRAM GOAL 3
Objective	The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency in the pre-operative and post-operative care of refractive surgery patients.
Learning Activity	The resident will provide pre- and post-operative evaluation, counseling, and care to patients who are considering and who have undergone refractive surgery.
Outcome	The resident will be able to provide state of the art care for patients in all phases of pre- and post operative refractive surgical status.

PROGRAM GOAL 4
Objective	The resident will develop an advanced knowledge in the care of patients with systemic disease, particularly those systemic diseases with ocular manifestations.
Learning Activity	The resident will provide optometric services to patients with systemic disease at Southern Eye Associates. The resident will consult with non-ophthalmic providers when indicated for the care of these patients.
Outcome	The resident will become comfortable communicating with non-ophthalmic health care providers when consulting for the care of optometric patients with systemic disease.

PROGRAM GOAL 5
Objective	The resident will develop effective presentation skills in communicating with fellow professionals.
Learning Activity	The resident will present at least one lecture per quarter during the regular Residency Conference, one grand rounds at Southern Eye Associates for the residents, one grand rounds/lecture for the center’s referring doctor network, produce a poster for a major optometric meeting, and present workshops to teach student externs primary and secondary eye care procedures.
Outcome	The resident will become comfortable and effective at communicating scientific information to groups of health care providers.

PROGRAM GOAL 6
Objective	The resident’s writing and research skills will be enhanced.
Learning Activity	The resident will prepare a publication quality manuscript and participate in clinical research conducted at Southern Eye Associates.
Outcome	The resident will complete a publication quality manuscript prior to the end of the residency.

PROGRAM GOAL 7
Objective	The resident will be introduced to the concepts necessary to become an effective clinical educator.
Learning Activity	The resident will supervise optometry students during the final nine months of the residency.
Outcome	The resident will be able to successfully mentor optometry students during clinical instruction.

PROGRAM GOAL 8
Objective	The resident will gain an understanding of practice management concepts unique to a co management center, with an emphasis on coding and billing.
Learning Activity	The resident will participate in internal and external audits and attend in-house presentations on coding and billing and practice management.
Outcome	The resident will appropriately document and code each chart.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A. All applicants must complete and return the Southern College of Optometry application forms by January 15. Supporting documents should be submitted to the Director of Residency Programs of Southern College of Optometry no later than January 31. This program uses the Optometric Residency Matching Service. Applicants must complete the ORMS application and forward it to the ORMS as directed in the application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all supporting documentation is submitted to each entity involved, e.g., the College, ORMS, and the residency site if required.

B. Applicant must have earned an O.D. degree, or will have earned such a degree by the time of matriculation from an accredited school/college of optometry.

C. Applicant will furnish an official transcript from his/her school/college of optometry. An applicant should have a cumulative grade point average greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the professional optometric curriculum.

D. Applicant must pass all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examinations required for Tennessee license and furnish official transcripts when available. If accepted, the resident is expected to obtain a Tennessee optometry license.

E. Three letters of recommendation are required. One letter must be from the chief academic officer or clinical director of the institution. Two letters must be from full-time faculty members who have been most responsible for the clinical education of the applicant.

F. A brief essay stating reasons for applying to this program.

G. A personal interview will be required.

H. Southern College of Optometry affirms that all residency candidates will be evaluated without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin or disabilities.

CONTRACT

All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard resident contract.

LENGTH OF RESIDENCY

Each residency will be 54 weeks in length, commencing in July, allowing for a two-week overlap with the previous outgoing resident.

LEAVE POLICY

Vacation – 1 week; Continuing Education – 1 week; Sick Leave – 1 week.

STATUS OF THE RESIDENT

A. The resident is defined as an employee of SEA and the residency stipend will be paid by the Center. No tuition or fees are applicable.

B. The resident should arrange to take the examinations required by the Tennessee optometry board for licensure prior to or during the residency period.

C. Residents will be provided with malpractice insurance by the professional liability insurance program of SEA. The cost of this insurance coverage will be paid by SEA.

D. Residents will be provided with medical and dental coverage as per the Center’s plan.

E. Residents will receive a Southern College of Optometry identification card that will allow access to campus facilities.

F. Residents will be credentialed according to the policies of SEA.

G. Residents’ privileges will be determined according to the policies of SEA.

CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY

A. The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level which is satisfactory to the Director of Residency and Externships (Residency Supervisor), Medical Director, the Residency Committee, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO administration. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. until patient care is completed, usually around 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The resident is expected to be present during all working hours. On call services are required usually beginning after the third month of training.

B. The resident will be required to keep a record of patient contacts. Cases will be reviewed periodically by the Director of Residency and Externships (Supervisor of the Residency Program), the Director of Residency Programs, and the Residency Committee when appropriate.

C. The resident will be required to write a paper based on original research, literature review, or a clinical case for publication in an acceptable professional journal.

D. The resident will be expected to assist in the continuing education programs provided at SEA.

E. The resident will be expected to perform in a professional manner in the delivery of patient care services and to observe those proprieties of conduct and courtesies that are consistent with the rules and regulations governing SEA.

F. The resident will be required to participate in and complete the requirements set forth in the curriculum.

G. Upon successful completion of the Residency Program, the Residency Supervisor and the Director of Residency Programs will recommend the granting of certification to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

H. Any resident accepted for training can be dismissed, without receiving a certificate of completion, for infractions of the rules and regulations of Southern Eye Associates or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.

STIPEND AND BENEFITS

A residency stipend of $28,000.00 will be provided for the 54 weeks of training paid by Southern Eye Associates. Health Insurance according to the group policy benefits as an employee of Southern Eye Associates, PC will be provided, or the resident may purchase health insurance at a nominal cost through the College’s group insurance plan. The resident is allotted $1,500 per year for continuing education, dues and subscriptions.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

A. Physical Facilities.
Southern Eye Associates, a co-management/consultative optometric referral center, will serve as the clinical facility. This secondary/tertiary eye center has ten clinical examination areas, and a conference room including a library of reference materials and ophthalmic journals at the main center. There are also satellite offices in Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi.

B. Equipment.
Southern Eye Associates has ten equipped examination rooms, as well as several special testing rooms (i.e. ocular photography, fluorescein angiography, visual fields, ultrasonography, polarimetry, OCT, etc). Additionally, SEA has a laser operating room, 3 ambulatory surgery centers, and multiple administrative offices. A nerve fiber analyzer, refractive excimer laser, an OPD-scan for wave front ablation, and an IOL Master for non-contact axial length measurement are available.

FACULTY AND STAFF

A. Faculty.
The cost of educational support for the residency program will be borne by Southern Eye Associates. The faculty will consist of the Director of Residency and Externships, Medical Director, Staff Optometrists, and Retinal Specialists. The Director of Residency Programs for Southern College of Optometry will serve as a consultant.

B. Staff.
Support staff will be those employees of Southern Eye Associates who are normally hired to assist the professional staff in the delivery of medical/surgical eye care at the center.

ACCREDITATION

The residency program at Southern Eye Associates will apply for reaccreditation by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100 during the 2007-2008 residency year.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon satisfying all the requirements for completion of the Supervisor of the Residency Program and the Director of the Residency Programs, a Certificate of Completion will be awarded to the resident by Southern College of Optometry.

REPORTING STATUS

The resident reports to the Supervisor of the residency program. The Supervisor reports directly to the SCO Director of Residency Programs whom in turn reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Cheryl E. Ervin, O.D.

Director of Residencies

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Office: (901) 722-3201

Fax: (901) 722-3325

email: cervin@sco.edu