RESIDENCY IN VISION THERAPY AND REHABILITATION
Dan L. Fortenbacher, O.D., FCOVD
Wow Vision Therapy, LLC a
Fortenbacher Vision Group, LLC.
Saint Joseph, Michigan
affiliated with
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
The resident will experience a unique opportunity
to develop proficiency in pediatric optometry, developmental vision, binocular
vision, and rehabilitative vision therapy. Merging principles in cognitive visual neuroscience with
human factors in private practice, the post-graduate clinician will acquire the
skills needed to excel in education, research, and patient care.
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Objective: |
The
resident will develop proficiency in the delivery of eye and vision care,
principally directed toward pediatric optometry, vision therapy and vision
rehabilitation. |
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Outcome: |
The
resident will provide eye and vision care services involving a minimum of
1000 patient encounters, demonstrating proficiency in reviewing intake
information, obtaining a case history, and performing a comprehensive eye
health and visual evaluation. These
encounters will include but not be limited to: visual efficiency, 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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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. |
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Objective 1: |
The resident will develop proficiency in administering and interpreting Visagraph for eye movements involved in reading |
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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
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 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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 the delivery of eye and vision care,
principally directed toward pediatric optometry, vision therapy and vision
rehabilitation |
|
Learning Activity: |
The
resident will provide eye and vision care services involving a minimum of
1000 patient encounters, demonstrating advanced skills in reviewing intake
information, obtaining a case history, and performing a comprehensive eye
health and visual evaluation. These
encounters will include but not be limited to: visual efficiency, 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 diagnosis and management of refractive,
physiologic and pathologic conditions of the eye, the adnexa,
visual pathways and central nervous system will be enhanced. |
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Learning Activity: |
The
resident will provide services to a significant number of patients with
refractive, physiologic and pathologic conditions of the eye and vision,
particularly in areas of a functional/behavioral evaluation in addition to
the routine optometric examination.
The resident will formulate a diagnosis based on the results of the
procedures performed. 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, acquired brain injury from stroke or from trauma. |
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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. |
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Program
Goal 4 |
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Objective: |
Expanding
the resident's skills in vision therapy procedures. |
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Learning Activity: |
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.
|
|
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. |
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.
|
|
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. |
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. Dan L. Fortenbacher at Wow Vision Therapy in St. Joseph, Mi.
H. Southern College of Optometry affirms
that all residency candidates will be evaluated without regard to sex, race,
color, creed, national origin or disabilities.
All applicants selected for admission must sign a
standard letter of intent.
Each residency is one calendar year in length,
commencing July first.
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.
A. The resident is defined as an employee
of The Fortenbacher Vision Group, LLC, and the residency stipend is paid by Wow
Vision Therapy, LLC. No tuition or
fees are applicable.
B. The resident should apply for optometric
license in Michigan prior to the beginning of the residency.
C. Professional liability protection for
residents for professional activity performed at Wow Vision Therapy, LLC. Is
provided by St. Joseph Vision Therapy Center, LLC a division of the
Fortenbacher Vision Group LLC.
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 the Wow Vision Therapy, LLC
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. Dan
L. Fortenbacher as Optometric Director of Wow Vision Therapy, LLC. Normal operational hours are from 9:00
A.M. until 8:15 P.M., Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.
Friday, Saturday (September-May) 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M with the resident
working a five-day week. The
resident is expected to be on site during all scheduled working hours 40-45
hours per week, 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 Wow Vision Therapy, LLC 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 Wow Vision Therapy, LLC or those set forth by
Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which jeopardizes the safety
of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.
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.
The resident will have the opportunity to
purchase health insurance at the student rate through the College's group
insurance plan, or through Wow Vision Therapy, LLC. 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 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.
The residency program at Wow Vision Therapy,
LLC 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.
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.
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.
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