RESIDENCY IN HOSPITAL BASED PRIMARY EYE CARE

MEMPHIS VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

affiliated with

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

 

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the residency is to prepare optometrists to provide full-scope primary care optometry by providing post-graduate clinical experience beyond that provided in the Doctor of Optometry program.

Goal 1: Enhance the resident’s skills in optometric primary care

Objective:

The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision of primary eye care services.

Outcome:

The resident will provide primary eye care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 500 of which will include obtaining a case history, visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, and external and internal ocular health assessment during the encounter. 

Measure:

The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

 

 

 

Goal 2: Strengthen the resident’s expertise in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.

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 desired 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 asses the resident’s management skills.

 

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

Objective 1:

The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting ophthalmic ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Outcome:

The resident will perform ophthalmic ultrasonography (A and B-scans) and optical coherence tomography 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 performing and interpreting ophthalmic fluorescein angiography.

Outcome:

The resident will perform 50 or more angiographic procedures (ophthalmic fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography including participation in the performance of injections management of side-effects and interpretation of 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 3:

The resident will develop expertise in performing fundus photography.

Outcome:

The resident will perform fundus photography on at least 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 performing anterior segment photography.

Outcome:

The resident will perform anterior segment photography on at least 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 ordering and interpreting relevant laboratory procedures.

Outcome:

The resident will order laboratory procedures on at least 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.

 

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 coordinate care 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 lectures during conferences and other meetings held at Southern College of Optometry and at the Memphis VAMC and when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as the American Academy of Optometry and SECO.

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:

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 care services.

Learning Activity:

The resident will provide primary eye care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, 500 of which will include obtaining a case history, visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, and external and internal ocular health assessment during the encounter. 

Outcome:

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

 

Program Goal 2

 

Objective:

The resident’s ocular disease-related diagnostic skills will be enhanced.

Learning Activity:

The resident will provide services to a significant number of patients with ocular disease and will formulate a diagnosis based on the results of the procedures performed. 

Outcome:

The resident will become highly proficient in the performance and interpretation of basic and advanced ocular examination techniques on patients with ocular disease, and will attain advanced skills in the management of these patients.

 

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 ultrasonography, ophthalmic fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, anterior segment photography, and relevant laboratory 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.

Learning Activity:

The resident will provide eye care to a large number of 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 comanagement of patients who have systemic disease that impacts their ocular health.

 

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 during the regular Residency Conference and when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as the American Academy of Optometry and SECO.

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 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 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.  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 is 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.

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 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.

STATUS OF THE RESIDENT

A.  The resident is defined as an employee of the Memphis VAMC and the residency stipend is paid by the VAMC.  No tuition or fees are applicable.

B.  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.

C.  Professional liability protection for residents for professional activity performed at the Memphis VAMC is provided under the Federal Tort claims act.  Professional activity at other Southern College of Optometry affiliated clinics is covered under the College policy.

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

E.  Residents will be required to present credentials according to the Memphis VAMC policy for credentialing of residents.

F.   Residents privileges will be determined by Memphis VA policy.

CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY

A.  The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level which is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor, the Residency Committee, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO and Memphis VAMC administrations.  Normal clinic hours are from 7:30 A.M. until patient care is completed, usually around 6:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, with the resident in clinic four days per week.  Other educational activities may be scheduled on the fifth day.  The resident is expected to be present during all scheduled working hours, except Wednesday morning when attending resident conferences and doing study or research.  Since the Optometry Section is not responsible for on-call services the resident will not be required to be on call at the Memphis VAMC.  Participation in the after-hours and weekend on call service at Southern College of Optometry is expected.

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

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 Memphis VAMC.

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 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 the Memphis VAMC 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 Memphis VAMC.  The stipend is currently $30,099.  Additional benefits such as FICA and insurance are also funded.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is available through the VA at decreased group rates.  Part of the premium is also paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACCREDITATION

The residency program at Memphis VAMC is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100.

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 of Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

J. Bart Campbell, O.D.

Director, Residency Programs

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN  38104

(901) 722-3201

email: JBartC@sco.edu