RESIDENCY IN VISION THERAPY AND REHABILITATION
Leonard J. Press, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO
The Vision and Learning Center at
Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.
Fair Lawn, New Jersey
affiliated with
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
PROGRAM MISSION
The resident will experience a unique opportunity
to develop proficiency in pediatric optometry, developmental vision, binocular
vision, and rehabilitative vision therapy. The post-graduate clinician will acquire the patient education and practice management skills needed to excel in a private practice environment.
Goal 1: Enhance the resident’s clinical
skills in developmental and functional vision disorders
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Objective: |
The resident will develop proficiency in assessing the progress of patients engaged in optometric vision therapy and rehabilitation.
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Outcome: |
The resident will conduct progress evaluations involving a minimum of 20 patient encounters, demonstrating proficiency in reviewing intake information, case history, vision therapy session notes, therapist comments, previous progress evaluations, and preliminary testing/diagnostic data. The resident will summarize the result of testing to the patient or the patient's caretaker. These encounters will include but not be limited to: visual processing, visual integration, strabismus, developmental disorders of spatial vision, attention deficit, autistic spectrum and acquired brain injury disorders. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report the number of patient encounters of this type using an activity
log. |
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Goal 2: Develop the resident’s expertise in the differential
diagnosis and management of functional visual system disturbances and disease
processes.
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Objective 1: |
The
resident will anticipate the appropriate diagnostic procedures based on the
patient’s total case history. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will consistently select and successfully perform high yield
procedures for each patient, including differentiating disease conditions
masquerading as binocular disorders and the inverse. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to determine progress
in test selection and application. |
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Objective 2: |
The
resident will rank order diagnoses optimally suited to each patient. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will consistently select the most appropriate diagnosis or diagnoses
for each patient, with increasing independence as the residency program progresses. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the resident’s
diagnostic acumen. |
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Objective 3: |
The
resident will determine the best management based on the diagnoses. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will consistently devise an appropriate management plan for each patient
in order to best address the patient’s needs. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the resident’s
management skills. |
Goal 3: Advance the resident’s skills in technology-based
tests utilized for special procedures.
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Objective 1: |
The
resident will develop proficiency in administering and interpreting Visagraph
for eye movements involved in reading and open-view auto-refraction for
objective measurement of accommodation. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will conduct and evaluate the results of these procedures for at
least 100 patient encounters. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an
activity log. |
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Objective 2: |
The
resident will develop expertise in the utilization of advanced ophthalmic diagnostic
instrumentation to investigate disease and establish the functional nature of
strabismus and amblyopia. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will perform and/or interpret tests with advanced ophthalmic diagnostic
instruments including threshold visual fields, retinal photography, and
visual evoked potentials for at least 50 patients. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the
activity log. |
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Objective 3: |
The
resident will engage in corneal reshaping therapy for myopia reduction guided
by corneal topography and diagnostic lenses. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will participate in at least 10 corneal reshaping patient
encounters. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an
activity log. |
Goal 4: Expand the resident’s skills in vision
therapy procedures.
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Objective 1: |
The
resident will develop proficiency in administering vision therapy procedures
according to textbook guidelines, as well as adapt, customize and innovate as
required for optimal patient care.
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Outcome: |
The
resident will administer at least three procedures on each vision therapy
patient encounter, for a minimum of 100 patient encounters, reflecting a
balance between computerized and non-computerized procedures. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an
activity log. |
Goal 5: Develop the resident’s skills in presenting
topics to fellow professionals.
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Objective: |
The
resident will acquire skills needed to effectively present information publically
in a group setting. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will present lectures during meetings to include weekly on-site case
conferences and at least one presentation to a group off-site. . |
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Measure: |
The
resident will report monthly on these types of activities using an activity log. |
Goal 6: The Resident will engage in scholarly activities reflective
of post-graduate study.
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Objective: |
The
resident will assist in the preparation of a professional manuscript based on
patient care encounters on site. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will prepare a manuscript to be submitted for publication, and/or a
poster presented at the annual meeting of COVD, AOA, Academy, or NORA. |
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Measure: |
The
resident will complete the manuscript or poster by the designated completion date
of the Residency program. |
CURRICULUM
The
educational objectives of the curriculum are designed to facilitate the mission,
stated goals, and objectives of the program as follows:
Program Goal 1
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Objective: |
The resident will develop proficiency in assessing the progress of patients engaged in optometric vision therapy and rehabilitation.
|
|
Learning Activity: |
The resident will conduct progress evaluations involving a minimum of 20 patient encounters, demonstrating proficiency in reviewing intake information, case history, vision therapy session notes, therapist comments, previous progress evaluations, and preliminary testing/diagnostic data. The resident will summarize the result of testing to the patient or the patient's caretaker. These encounters will include but not be limited to: visual processing, visual integration, strabismus, developmental disorders of spatial vision, attention deficit, autistic spectrum and acquired brain injury disorders. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will develop advanced skills in the management of patients as mentioned
above. |
Program Goal 2
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Objective: |
The
resident’s expertise in the differential diagnosis and management of
functional visual system disturbances and disease processes will be
developed. |
|
Learning Activity: |
The
resident will consistently select and successfully perform high yield
procedures for each patient, including differentiating disease conditions
masquerading as binocular disorders and the inverse. The resident will consistently select
the most appropriate diagnosis or diagnoses for each patient, with increasing
independence as the residency program progresses |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will become highly proficient in the performance and interpretation of
basic and advanced ocular examination techniques on patients with complex ocular
and vision anomalies and will attain advanced skills in the management of these
patients. |
Program Goal 3
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Objective: |
The
resident will utilize a wide variety of diagnostic procedures and instrumentation
while caring for patients. |
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Learning Activity: |
The
resident will perform and/or interpret ophthalmic diagnostic tests that can include
electro diagnostics, ophthalmic photography, and relevant laboratory and radiological
procedures. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will develop advanced knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures
and instrumentation. Program
Goal 4 Objective: Expanding the
resident’s skills in vision therapy procedures.
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Program Goal 5
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Objective: |
The
resident will develop and present original presentations to other professionals. |
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Learning Activity: |
The
resident will acquire skills needed to effectively present information publically
in a group setting, to include lectures during on-site case conferences and
to a group off-site. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will develop skills in providing effective presentations to health care
professionals. |
Program Goal 6
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Objective: |
The
resident will engage in scholarly activity. |
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Learning Activity: |
The
resident will prepare a manuscript pr poster on an approved topic reviewed and
critiqued by the supervisor, then submitted for publication/presentation to
either AOA American Academy of Optometry, COVD, or NORA. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will develop an appreciation for scholarly activity and its importance
to the profession. |
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. All applicants must complete 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 (ORMS). 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.
B. Applicant must have earned an O.D. degree,
or will have earned such a degree by the time of matriculation from a school/college
of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
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 and furnish official transcripts when
available.
E. Three letters of recommendation are required.
F. A brief essay stating reasons for
applying to this program.
G. A personal interview is required with
Dr. Leonard J. Press at the Vision & Learning Center in Fair Lawn, NJ.
H. Southern College of Optometry affirms that
all residency candidates will be evaluated without regard to sex, race, color, creed,
national origin or disabilities.
LETTER OF INTENT
All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard
letter of intent.
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY
Each residency is one calendar year in length, commencing
July first.
LEAVE POLICY
The resident is eligible for thirteen days annual,
sick, or personal leave. The resident is also eligible for 5 educational leave
days to attend approved professional meetings. Annual and educational leave is granted with prior approval of
the Supervisor in conjunction with the SCO Director of Residency Programs.
STATUS OF THE RESIDENT
A. The resident is defined as an employee of
Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. (the practice site of Dr. Press), and the residency
stipend is paid by the Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. No tuition or fees are applicable.
B. The resident should apply for optometric
license in New Jersey prior to the beginning of the residency.
C. Professional liability protection for residents
for professional activity performed at Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. is provided
by Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.
D. Residents will be required to present credentials
according to the Southern College of Optometry policy for credentialing of residents.
E. Resident privileges will be determined by
Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.
CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY
A. The resident is required to deliver clinical
services at a level that is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor, the Residency
Committee, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO and Dr. Leonard J. Press
as Optometric Director of The Vision and Learning Center at Family Eyecare
Associates, P.C. Normal operational
hours are from 10:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M., Monday through Thursday, with the resident
working a four-day week. The resident
is expected to be on site during all scheduled working hours, except when attending
or delivering lectures or doing approved visitations. The resident will occasionally be required to be on call.
B. The resident is required to keep a record
of patient contacts. The Supervisor
of the Residency Program, the Director of Residency Programs, and the Residency
Committee will review the resident’s activity periodically.
C. The resident is required to write a publication
quality paper based on original research, literature review, or a clinical case.
D. The resident is 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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. and Southern College of Optometry
Residency Programs.
E. The resident is required to participate
in and complete the requirements set forth in the curriculum.
F. 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 for 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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. or those set forth by Southern
College of Optometry, or for any action which jeopardizes the safety of patients,
personnel, or physical facilities.
STIPEND
A residency stipend will be provided for the year
of training paid by the clinic. The
stipend is currently $31,000. Additional
benefits such as FICA and professional liability insurance are also funded by the
clinic.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The resident will have the opportunity to purchase
health insurance at the student rate through the College’s group insurance plan,
or through Family Eyecare Associates, PC.
If health insurance is elected through the affiliate, the resident must
contact the Residency Director in order to initiate the process through the
accounting department.
MOONLIGHTING POLICY
Moonlighting is defined as employment outside
of the residency during the term of the residency. Moonlighting is permitted while enrolled as a resident in this
program ONLY with prior approval of the program supervisor. Moonlighting is not permitted to
interfere with or be substituted for any assigned residency activity.
ACCREDITATION
The residency program at Family Eyecare
Associates, P.C. will apply for accreditation by the Accreditation Council on Optometric
Education, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100, during
the first year a resident is enrolled in this program.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Upon satisfying all the requirements for completion
of the program as determined by 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 who in turn reports directly
to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Cheryl E. Ervin, O.D.
Director, Residency Programs
Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3201
email: cervin@sco.edu