RESIDENCY IN LOW VISION REHABILITATION

AT

SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

PROGRAM MISSION

The Residency Program in Low Vision Rehabilitation at Southern College of Optometry provides qualified optometrists with advanced clinical experience in low vision rehabilitation that will nurture their development into exceptional, caring clinicians offering specialized skills in rehabilitative optometric care for persons with vision impairment regardless of its etiology.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Enhance the resident’s skills in the provision of optometric low vision services

Objective:	The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision of low vision services.
Outcome:	The resident will provide low vision services involving a minimum of 650 patient encounters.
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 patients with vision impairment.

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 for each patient.
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 low vision assistive devices.

Objective 1:	The resident will develop expertise in low vision patient evaluation and prescription of magnifiers.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and instruct at least 300 low vision patients for magnifiers.
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 low vision patient evaluation and prescription of hand-held and spectacle-mounted telescopes.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and instruct at least 100 low vision patients for hand held and spectacle mounted telescopes.
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 low vision patient evaluation and prescription of electronic magnification systems.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and instruct at least 75 low vision patients for electronic magnification systems.
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 low vision patient evaluation and prescription of prism.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and instruct at least 75 low vision patients for prism.
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 low vision patient evaluation and prescription of optical filters.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and instruct at least 50 low vision patients for optical filters.
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: Expand the resident’s knowledge of non-optical low vision assistive techniques.

Objective 1:	The resident will gain experience in managing patients with vision impairment with vision therapy to maximize residual vision.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and manage at least 30 patients with vision impairment using vision therapy.
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 gain experience in managing patients with vision impairment with non-optical assistive devices.
Outcome:	The resident will evaluate and manage at least 100 patients with vision impairment using non-optical assistive devices.
Measure:	The resident will report monthly on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.

Goal 5: Expand the resident's health care knowledge base in the field of rehabilitative vision care.

Objective:	Expose the resident to the multidisciplinary approach for treatment and management of persons with vision impairment.
Outcome:	The resident will attend periodic community outreach/agency meeting (e.g., Vision Quest, Foundation for Fighting Blindness, etc.). The resident will visit different practice approaches pertaining to low vision rehabilitation. These may include a private practice offering low vision services; a university based rehabilitation center; a non-profit rehabilitation agency; and/or a hospital based rehab center.
Measure:	The resident will report participation in the above activities in the monthly activity summary.

Goal 6: 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 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 7: 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.

Goal 8: Provide the resident with the opportunity to become an effective clinical educator.

Objective:	The resident will supervise optometry student clinicians in the provision of low vision services to patients.
Outcome:	The resident will mentor and oversee the optometry students during the final three to six 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 9: The resident will acquire a practical understanding of patient coding in a co-management clinical setting.

Objective:	The resident will become familiar with the encounter/billing forms, and clinical chart recording requirements for proper coding/billing.
Outcome:	The resident will log accurate diagnosis ICD codes, as well as appropriate office visit billing codes on the patient encounter form.
Measure:	The results of daily review of the resident's coding/billing forms by the Chief of Service or attending staff doctor in the LVRS Service will be reflected in the quarterly resident evaluations.

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 low vision services.
Learning Activity:	The resident will provide low vision services involving a minimum of 650 patient encounters.
Outcome:	The resident will develop enhanced skills in the provision of optometric low vision services.

Program Goal 2
Objective:	The resident will develop an appropriate diagnosis and management plan for each patient.
Learning Activity:	The resident will utilize a comprehensive array of low vision diagnostic procedures and instrumentation to determine the correct diagnosis and the best management for each patient.  These activities will be accomplished with increasing independence as the resident progresses through the program.
Outcome:	The resident will develop advanced skills in the diagnosis and management of patients with vision impairment.

Program Goal 3
Objective:	The resident will utilize a wide variety of low vision assistive devices in caring for patients.
Learning Activity:	The resident will evaluate, prescribe, and educate patients in the use of magnifiers, telescopes, electronic magnification systems, prism, and optical filters.
Outcome:	The resident will develop advanced knowledge of low vision assistive devices.

Program Goal 4
Objective:	The resident will utilize non-optical methods in caring for patients.
Learning Activity:	The resident will evaluate, prescribe, and educate patients in the use vision therapy and non-optical assistive devices.
Outcome:	The resident will develop advanced knowledge of non-optical low vision assistive techniques.

Program Goal 5
Objective:	The resident will be exposed to non-optometric aspects of care for patients with vision impairment.
Learning Activity:	The resident will attend periodic community outreach/agency meeting (e.g., Vision Quest, Foundation for Fighting Blindness, etc.). The resident will visit different practice approaches pertaining to low vision rehabilitation. These may include a private practice offering low vision services; a university based rehabilitation center; a non-profit rehabilitation agency; and/or a hospital based rehab center.
Outcome:	The resident will develop an understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to care of patients with vision impairment.

Program Goal 6
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 7
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.

Program Goal 8
Objective:	The resident will supervise optometry student clinicians in the provision of low vision services to patients.
Learning Activity:	The resident will mentor and oversee the optometry student clinicians during the final three to six months of the residency.
Outcome:	The resident will develop skills in providing effective clinical education.

Program Goal 9
Objective:	The resident will be responsible for recording the proper assessment and management plan and indicating the correct diagnostic and procedural codes for each patient.
Learning Activity:	The resident will record essential findings and supporting assessments and management plans for each patient encounter in the clinical record and appropriate forms.
Outcome:	The resident will gain a thorough understanding of proper coding.

In addition to the specific educational objectives listed, the resident will participate in the weekly residency conferences. These conferences cover a range of optometric topics and are updated each year. Generally, the following areas are covered during multiple presentations every year:

            Contact lens fitting and problem solving

            Office Emergencies

            Anterior and posterior segment ocular disease

            Binocular vision

Three to four grand rounds presentations, typically emphasizing ocular disease, are also presented each year.

Clinical Rotations 

The Resident will gain clinical experience at The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry and in external multidisciplinary clinics affiliated with the College.  Modern diagnostic instrumentation is readily accessible, as are Faculty who are experienced in all optometric specialties.  The resident will meet on a weekly basis with the residency supervisor for discussion of current cases. The resident will see patients at external multidisciplinary clinics in addition to the clinical experience available at the College.  These locations provide exposure to a wider variety of conditions than might be seen in an equivalent period of time at the College clinic.  The exact schedule for these rotations will be determined by the program supervisor.

DIDACTIC ACTIVITIES OF THE RESIDENT

During the residency, a weekly conference is given at SCO which the resident is expected to attend.  The resident will be expected to present a talk at a minimum of three of these conferences during the year.  A paper of publication quality is expected prior to the end of the residency.  The resident will be involved in occasional student supervision if teaching is deemed a career goal.  In addition, the resident may be asked to be a guest lecturer in a didactic course at SCO.

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 an ACOE 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 where the applicant earned the Doctor of Optometry.  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.

STIPEND AND BENEFITS

The residency program is one calendar year in length from July 1 to June 30.  The stipend is $30,000 which will be paid on a monthly basis.

The resident will also have the opportunity to purchase health insurance at a nominal cost, professional liability insurance, and $500 travel stipend.  Also included in the benefit package are clinic coats, 10 days academic leave and 16 days vacation leave.

LEAVE POLICY

Seventeen days of vacation leave are provided to the resident.  These days are those on which The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry is normally closed: July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday following, ten working days at Christmas and New Year’s, two days during the Spring Break, and Memorial Day.  Provision of these vacation days is automatic and does not require approval or submission of a leave request form.  The resident may be required to provide on call services during some of these days.

Ten days of educational leave are provided.  These days are intended to allow the resident to attend professional meetings.  The resident must submit a standard leave request form in advance to request educational leave.  This form should be completed by the resident and submitted to the supervisor.  The supervisor will then approve or disapprove the request.  If the request is approved by the supervisor the leave request form is forwarded to the Director of Residency Programs, who is responsible for tracking the resident’s leave balance.  If the resident has a leave balance sufficient to cover the request, the DRP will approve the request and forward the appropriate copies of the form to the resident and the supervisor.  The resident and supervisor are responsible for notifying the appropriate Chiefs of Service and the Director of Clinical Operations of the days that the resident will not be available to provide clinical services.

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.

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 administration.  The resident will be given a specific schedule each quarter.  Approximately 40 hours per week will be assigned.  After hours on-call assignments will be made on a periodic basis.  Participation in community screening activities will be required on a periodic basis.

B.  The resident will be 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 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 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 the Southern College of Optometry.

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 College of Optometry, or for any action that jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.

OTHER EMPLOYMENT

Other employment (moonlighting) is permitted as long as moonlighting activities do not interfere with any part of the residency, including on-call assignments.  The professional liability protection provided by the College does NOT cover moonlighting activities.

ACCREDITATION

The residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation at Southern College of Optometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon evidence of satisfactory performance in meeting all requirements of the program, the resident will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

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 Clinical Programs 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