RESIDENCY IN VISION THERAPY/REHABILITATIVE OPTOMETRY

AT

BRADLEY E. HABERMEHL, O.D., PC

VISION THERAPY GROUP

SENSORY LEARNING CENTER

FLINT, MICHIGAN

 

affiliated with

 

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

 

PROGRAM MISSION

 

The mission of the residency program in vision therapy/rehabilitative optometry at Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC Vision Therapy Group and Sensory Learning Center is to prepare optometrists to provide full-scope primary pediatric, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation optometric care by providing post-graduate clinical experience beyond that provided in the Doctor of Optometry program, in a setting that promotes excellence in patient care and education.

 

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Enhance the resident’s examination skills in optometric primary care with an emphasis on functional vision disorders.

Objective:

The resident will provide primary eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 33% of which will include obtaining a case history, performing a full functional/behavioral evaluation in addition to the routine optometric examination. These encounters will include but not be limited to: strabismus, amblyopia, binocular dysfunctions, accommodative dysfunctions, visual-auditory integration dysfunctions, visual motor dysfunctions, visual perceptual dysfunctions, visual information processing problems, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum, and acquired brain injury, from stroke or from trauma.

Outcome:

The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision of primary eye and vision care services, particularly focused on pediatrics, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation.

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on the number and type of patient encounters using the activity log.

 

Goal 2: Strengthen the resident’s expertise in the diagnosis and management of refractive, physiological and pathological conditions of the eye, the adnexa, visual pathways and the central nervous system.

 

Objective 1:

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 2:

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.

Measure:

The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the appropriateness of the resident’s diagnostic ability.

 

 

Objective 3:

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 to assess the resident’s management skills.

 

Goal 3: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.

Objective 1:

The resident will develop expertise in interpreting ophthalmic visual fields, particularly as related to vision related learning problems.

Outcome:

The resident will perform and interpret the results of ophthalmic fields on at least 10 patients who are experiencing vision related learning problems.

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.

 

 

Objective 2:

The resident will develop expertise in the utilization of advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation to rule out pathology and to demonstrate the functional nature of amblyopia.

Outcome:

The resident will perform and/or interpret tests with advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instruments (e.g., Electrophysiological Visagraph) on at least 25 patients.

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.

 

 

 

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 such as trauma, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.

Outcome:

The resident will coordinate care with non-optometric providers in the management of patients with systemic disease for a minimum of 1000 patients.

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.

 

 

 

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 lectures during meetings of the clinic or other health care providers. The resident will, when possible, also present posters or lectures in other settings such as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Academy of Optometry, SECO, AOA or other such meetings.

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on these types of activities using the activity log.

 

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

Objective:

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 the designated completion date.

 

CURRICULUM

The educational objectives of the curriculum are intended to ensure attainment of the mission, goals, and objectives of the program.  Consequently, each educational objective reflects a specific program goal. Specifically:

           

           

Program Goal 1

 

Objective:

The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision of primary eye and vision care services, particularly in the area of pediatrics, child development, vision therapy, vision rehabilitation, trauma and stroke.

Learning Activity:

The resident will provide primary eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 33% of which will include obtaining a case history that will include obtaining a case history, performing a full functional/behavioral evaluation in addition to the routine optometric examination.

Outcome:

The resident will develop enhanced skills in the management of primary eye and vision care patients.

 

Program Goal 2

 

Objective:

The resident’s diagnostic and management skills will be enhanced beyond entry level.

Learning Activity:

The resident will select and perform appropriate diagnostic procedures and utilize the results to formulate the most effective management plan for patients with a wide variety of eye and vision problems.

Outcome:

The resident will attain advanced competency in the diagnosis and management of refractive, physiological, and pathological conditions of the eye, adnexa, visual pathways, and the central nervous system.

 

Program Goal 3

 

Objective:

The resident will utilize a wide variety of diagnostic procedures and instrumentation while caring for patients.

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.

Outcome:

The resident will develop advanced knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.

 

 

 

Program Goal 4

 

Objective:

The resident will acquire additional knowledge of systemic disease and treatment, particularly those systemic diseases with significant ocular manifestations that would interfere with the daily skills of the patient.

Learning Activity:

The resident will provide eye and vision care to patients with systemic disease and will consult with non-optometric providers in the total care of these patients.

Outcome:

The resident will be able to communicate effectively with physicians in the co-management of patients who have systemic disease that impacts their ocular and visual health and that can have a direct impact on the patient’s quality of life.

 

Program Goal 5

 

Objective:

The resident will develop and present original presentations to other health care professionals.

Learning Activity:

The resident will present at least one lecture per quarter to the clinic or another staff/group and when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Academy of Optometry, SECO, AOA and other such meetings.

Outcome:

The resident will develop skills in providing effective presentations to health care professionals.

 

Program Goal 6

 

Objective:

The resident will engage in scholarly activity.

Learning Activity:

The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript on an approved topic that will be reviewed and critiqued by the supervisor.

Outcome:

The resident will develop an appreciation for scholarly activity and its importance to the profession.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

 

A.   All applicants must complete and return 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 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 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.

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

G.  A personal interview is required at the office of Dr. Bradley E. Habermehl in Flint, Michigan.

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

The residency is one calendar year in length, commencing July first and extending through June 30 of the following year.

 

STIPEND AND BENEFITS

A residency stipend will be provided for the year of training paid by Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC. The stipend is currently $29,000. 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 a nominal cost through the College’s group insurance plan.

 

LEAVE POLICY

The resident is eligible for thirteen days annual leave. The resident is also eligible for educational leave 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.

SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY

The resident is required to write a paper based upon original research, literature review, or a clinical case suitable for publication in a refereed optometric journal.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT

“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.

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 Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC. Normal clinic hours are from 11:30 A.M. until patient care is completed, usually around 7:30 P.M., Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday 8:30 to 12:00 p.m., with the resident working a five-day week. The resident is expected to be present in the clinic during all scheduled working hours, except when attending or delivering lectures or doing study or research. The resident will occasionally be required to be on call.

B.  The resident is required to keep a record of patient contacts and other activities related to the residency. The Supervisor of the Residency Program, the Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO Residency Committee will periodically review the resident’s activity.

C.  The resident is required to write a publication quality paper based on original research, literature review, or a clinical case.

  1. 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 Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC and Southern College of Optometry Residency Programs.
  2. 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.

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 Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.

 

ACCREDITATION

The residency program at Bradley E. Habermehl, O.D., PC 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 of Residencies

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN  38104

Office: (901) 722-3201

Fax: (901) 722-3325

email: cervin@sco.edu