Gainesville Eye Associates Residency Program
Residency in Ocular Disease at
Gainesville Eye Associates
www.gainesvilleeye.com
770.532.4444
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Residency in Ocular Disease at Gainesville Eye Associates will provide additional, extensive training in the area of ocular disease in a multi-specialty practice for eyecare.
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal 1: To acquire advanced competency in caring for patients who need cataract surgery
Objective 1: The resident will learn to select patients who need cataract surgery
Outcome: The resident will provide pre-operative surgical evaluations to a minimum of 100 cataract surgery patients
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 2: The resident will learn how to discuss and explain different intraocular lens implants to patients needing cataract surgery
Outcome: The resident will provide preoperative counseling on intraocular lens selection to 100 cataract surgery patients
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 3: The resident will perform diagnostic testing and assist in selecting the power of intraocular lenses based on the patients’ visual needs
Outcome: The resident will provide preoperative diagnostic tests and choose power of intraocular lenses to 100 cataract surgery patients
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 4: The resident will become competent in examining and managing patients post-operatively following their cataract surgery
Outcome: The resident will perform post-operative exams on 100 cataract surgery patients, including same-day post op, 1 week post-op, and 1 month post-op
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Goal 2: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration
Objective 1: Become competent in diagnosing vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration
Outcome: The resident will exam at least 100 patients with age-related macular degeneration
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type on the activity log
Objective 2: Learn how to counsel patients with age-related macular degeneration about vision correction, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, preparing for progressive vision loss, and low-vision resources
Outcome: The resident will counsel at least 100 patients with age-related macular degeneration
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patients of this type counseled on the activity log
Objective 3: Determine when referral to a retina specialist is appropriate for patients with age-related macular degeneration
Outcome: The resident will co-manage at least 10 patients of this type with consulting retina specialists
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patients of this type on the activity log
Goal 3: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease
Objective 1: To become competent in managing ocular diseases of the anterior and posterior segment
Outcome: The resident will complete a minimum of 200 patient encounters with patients presenting with ocular disease
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 2: The resident will perform appropriate diagnostic tests
Outcome: The resident will determine which advanced technology are needed depending on the patient’s
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 3: The resident will determine the correct diagnosis for each patient
Outcome: The resident will consistently select the correct diagnosis for each patient with increasing independence as the residency program progresses. The degree of independence from direct supervision will increase with progressive months. In the first quarter, close supervision by the supervisor and attending physicians will occur. By the second quarter, the resident should be capable of operating independently.
Measure: The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the appropriateness of the resident’s diagnostic ability.
Objective 4: The resident will determine the appropriate management based on the diagnosis.
Outcome: The resident will consistently devise an appropriate management plan for each patient according to the patients needs.
Measure: The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the appropriateness of the resident's ability to devise an appropriate management plan for each patient.
Goal 4: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease
Objective 1: Learn to evaluate and treat patients with severe dry eye disease
Outcome: See patients who were referred into the dry eye center
Measure:The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 2: Learn how to recommend the LipiFlow procedure, perform the treatment, and follow up after the procedure
Outcome: The resident will observe or perform LipiFlow procedures
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Goal 5: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma
Objective 1: Become competent in diagnosing and managing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma
Outcome: The resident will examine at least 100 patients with glaucoma or patients suspicious of glaucoma
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 2: Determine when laser trabeculoplasty is an appropriate treatment option for glaucoma
Outcome: The resident will examine at least 10 candidates for laser trabeculoplasty
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 3: Become competent in managing post-operative SLT patients
Outcome: Perform at least 10 post-operative SLT examinations
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 4: Determine when a MIGS procedure is an appropriate treatment option for glaucoma
Outcome: The resident will examine at least 10 candidates for MIGS
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Objective 5: Become competent in managing post-operative MIGS patients
Outcome: Perform at least 10 post-operative MIGS examination
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log
Goal 6: Expand the resident’s knowledge of systemic diseases and the appropriate treatment plan.
Objective 1: The resident will acquire additional knowledge of systemic disease and treatment plans. The resident will work collaboratively with a network of doctors from all medical specialties to treat these patients.
Outcome: The resident will work collaboratively with non-optometric physicians from the network to treat and manage at least 100 patients with systemic disease.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
Goal 7: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.
Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in understanding the indications for performing and interpretation of corneal topography
Outcome: The resident will perform and interpret corneal topography for 100 patients.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of procedures of this type using the activity log.
Objective 2: The resident will develop expertise in understanding the indications for performing and in the interpretation of aberrometry.
Outcome: The resident will perform and interpret aberrometry for 100 patients.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of procedures of this type using the activity log.
Objective 3: The resident will develop expertise in understanding the indications for performing and in the interpretation of pachymetry.
Outcome: The resident will perform and interpret pachymetry for 100 patients.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of procedures of this type using the activity log.
Objective 4: The resident will develop expertise in understanding the indications for performing and in the interpretation of visual fields.
Outcome: The resident will perform and interpret visual fields on a variety of instruments for 20 patients.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
Objective 5: The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting refractometry.
Outcome: The resident will perform a minimum of 100 refractometry procedures and interpret their results.
Measure: The resident will document procedures of this type using the activity log.
Objective 6: The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting ophthalmic OCT
Outcome: The resident will perform a minimum of 50 OCT procedures and interpret their results.
Measure: The resident will document patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
Goal 8: Expand the Resident's Presentation, Writing and Research Skills.
Objective 1: The resident will develop presentation skills in communicating with fellow professionals.
Outcome: The resident will present two 20 minute lectures to staff and physicians
Measure: The resident will become comfortable and effective at communicating scientific information to groups of healthcare providers. The resident will report activities of this in the activity log.
Objective 2: The resident’s writing and research skills will be enhanced.
Outcome: The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript.
Measure: The resident will complete a publication-quality manuscript prior to the end of the residency and will meet benchmark deadlines throughout the year.
CURRICULUM
PROGRAM GOAL 1
Objective: To become competent in caring for patients who need cataract surgery
Learning Activity: The resident will provide pre-operative and post-operative surgical evaluations to a minimum of at least 100 cataract surgery patients at Gainesville Eye Associates.
Outcome: The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency in the care of cataract surgery patients through the experience gained by providing care for a large number and variety of cataract surgery patients.
PROGRAM GOAL 2
Objective: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease
Learning Activity: The resident will provide optometric services to a minimum of 200 patients with ocular diseases at Gainesville Eye Associates.
Outcome: The resident will develop an advanced degree of proficiency in the care of patients with ocular disease because of the complexity and variety of patient encounters.
PROGRAM GOAL 3
Objective: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease
Learning Activity: The resident will provide optometric services to a minimum of 50 patients with dry eye disease at Gainesville Eye Associates
Outcome: The resident will develop proficiency in the care of patients with dry eye disease
PROGRAM GOAL 4
Objective: To become competent in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma
Learning Activity: The resident will provide optometric services to a minimum of 100 patients with glaucoma at Gainesville Eye Associates
Outcome: The resident will develop proficiency in the care of patients with glaucoma
PROGRAM GOAL 5
Objective: Expand the resident’s knowledge of systemic diseases and the appropriate treatment plan
Learning Activity: The resident will provide optometric services to patients with systemic disease at Gainesville Eye Associates. The resident will consult with other physicians when indicated for the care of these patients.
Outcome: The resident will become comfortable communicating with other health care providers when consulting for the care of optometric patients with systemic disease.
PROGRAM GOAL 6
Objective: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.
Learning Activity: The resident will utilize corneal topography, perimetry using the Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field, OCT’s with the Zeiss Stratus OCT, biometry, endothelial cell microscopy, and refractometry in the care of patients.
Outcome: The resident will be able to utilize advanced diagnostic procedures for a maximum benefit in the care of patients with ocular disease and/or candidates for refractive and cataract surgery.
PROGRAM GOAL 7
Objective: The resident will develop presentation skills in communicating with fellow professionals.
Learning Activity: The resident will present two 20 minute lectures to staff and physicians
Outcome: The resident will become comfortable and effective at communicating scientific information to groups of healthcare providers. The resident will report activities of this in the activity log.
PROGRAM GOAL 8
Objective: The resident’s writing and research skills will be enhanced.
Learning Activity: The resident will prepare a publication-quality manuscript.
Outcome: The resident will complete a publication-quality manuscript prior to the end of the residency and will meet benchmark deadlines throughout the year.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. All applicants must complete the SCO application. All applicants must complete the Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch), and provide all required supporting documentation by the deadline of January 30 to be considered for an SCO program.
- You must have already passed NBEO Part I, II and TMOD in order to apply to one of our programs through ORMatch.
- You must have passed NBEO Part III and ISE (if applicable) in order to begin an SCO affiliated residency program.
- Those applying to a VA hospital or a state that does not require TMOD to obtain licensure are an exception if TMOD is not passed on first attempt.
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 a transcript to ORMatch from his/her school/college of optometry. An applicant should have a cumulative grade point average of 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 state licensure. If accepted, the resident is expected to obtain the appropriate state license.
E. A personal interview will be required.
F. The College affirms that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity at or affiliated with Southern College of Optometry on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin.
CONTRACT
All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard resident contract.
This document represents a true and accurate representation of the terms between the resident and Gainesville Eye Associates. The binding contract reflects this statement, together with the amount of the stipend for the length of the residency.
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY
For the upcoming year, this residency will commence on June 27, 2022, and end on July 7, 2023.
STATUS OF THE RESIDENT
A. The resident is defined as an employee of Gainesville Eye Associates (GEA) and the residency will be paid by GEA. No tuition or fees are applicable.
B. The resident should arrange to take the examinations required by the Georgia board for licensure prior to or during the residency period. Until licensure is obtained, the resident will work under one of the licensed attending optometric or medical physicians. Should the resident fail to pass the Georgia state boards, dismissal from the residency program will be at the option of the Southern College of Optometry residency director to recommend, in consultation with the residency supervisor at GEA.
C. The resident will be provided with professional liability insurance by the professional liability insurance program of GEA. The cost of this insurance coverage will be paid by GEA. This insurance will cover activities associated with the residency and GEA. It is understood that upon separation from GEA, insurance benefits provided by GEA would cease and it will be the resident’s responsibility to provide his or her own insurance.
D. The resident will be offered medical insurance as part of the plan provided to GEA employees.
E. The resident will be credentialed according to the policies of GEA
F. The resident’s privileges will be determined according to the policies of GEA.
ON CALL POLICY FOR GAINESVILLE EYE ASSOCIATES RESIDENTS
Residents at Gainesville Eye Associates are expected to rotate with other doctors in the practice in taking call for patients.
The on-call resident will provide the appropriate level of service indicated for the urgent or emergency patient. Many calls will be handled simply via phone; some may require an after-hours office visit; some may require that the resident obtain assistance from one of the surgeons in the group, e.g. in case in hospital privileges are required.
The resident’s independent responsibilities for “on call” status will begin 30 days after initially beginning the program, but only if he/she is licensed in the state of Georgia at that time. Prior to obtaining a license and/or during the first 30 days of the residency, the resident may be asked to take call as a staff member whose responsibilities include patient triage via phone as a preliminary step to obtaining assistance for the patient via on-call doctor.
The resident should also be prepared to be the back-up doctor on-call, as well as provide substitute coverage for doctors who are on vacation or otherwise unavailable.
RESIDENT’S EXPECTED WORK WEEK
Locations: Residents at Gainesville Eye Associates will be considered staff doctors. As such a resident will be provided a ‘home office’ location in one of our centers, but may provide optometric care in any of our satellite locations.
Travel reimbursement for providing services at offices other than the designated ‘home office’ is currently $0.58 per mile and is subject to change in the future.
Hours: Most office hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Doctors are generally expected to arrive at the time a patient is scheduled and expected to remain on premises until the last patient leaves. Most days will include a 30-60 minute break from patient care for lunch. Saturday hours will not be routinely required. Being ‘on call’, which is rotated among the staff ODs and MDs, may create Saturday hours. The resident will be expected to rotate with the ODs and MDs approximately every 3 months. Within this framework, most weeks will include 40 hours, but occasionally as many as 50 hours.
CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY
A. The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level that is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor of GEA, as well as the Director of Residency Programs, and the administration of Southern College of Optometry.
B. The resident will be required to keep a record of patient contacts. The Residency Supervisor and the Director of the Residency Programs at SCO will periodically review patient contacts.
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 assist in the continuing education programs provided at GEA, and provide an oral presentation on campus at SCO in June of their residency year.
E. The resident will be expected to perform in a professional manner in the delivery of professional care services and to observe the proprieties of conduct and courtesies that are consistent with the rules and regulations governing GEA.
F. The resident will be required to participate in and complete the requirements set forth in the curriculum.
G. The Residency Supervisor and the Director of the Residency Program will recommend the granting of certification to the resident through the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry upon successful completion of the Residency Program at GEA.
H. Any resident accepted for training can be dismissed by GEA, without receiving a certificate of completion, for infraction of the rules and regulations of Gainesville Eye Associates, or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action that jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel or physical facilities.
A resident rotating through a hospital-based (or similar) residency program must adhere to all facility policies and procedures, including but not limited to, receiving all required immunizations or showing appropriate medical documentation that he/she is in full medical compliance with required immunizations. In addition, if a resident cannot receive a flu or similar immunization due to potential allergic reaction, medical documentation must be made available to the Program Supervisor prior to the program's start date. A resident should receive the required immunizations provided by the facility when appropriate. Otherwise, any costs incurred will be the resident's responsibility. Any grievances should be submitted in writing to SCO's Director for Residency Programs utilizing the procedures found in the Residency Handbook.
STIPEND AND BENEFITS
Stipend: A residency stipend of $40,000 will be provided for the 53 weeks of training paid by GEA. Health insurance according to the group policy benefits as an employee of GEA will be provided. Travel and continuing education expenses of $1,000 will be given to attend meetings if the resident decides to attend an accredited eye care educational event.
LEAVE BENEFITS
Leave benefits include time off for major holidays plus ten days (80 hours) over the 53 week period of the residency program. All leave is subject to approval of the program supervisor.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Cheryl E. Mengelt, O.D.
Director, Residency Programs
Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3201
Email : [email protected]