Residency in Primary Care Optometry, with Emphasis in Ocular Disease
at Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic
(William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center)
Greenville, South Carolina
affiliated with
Southern College of Optometry
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of this residency program is to provide excellent optometric clinical training and education with a focus on delivering compassionate primary and secondary eye care services to middle-aged and geriatric veterans in an outpatient clinic-based environment.
The program’s goals, objectives, and outcomes are:
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, 60% 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 assess the resident’s management skills.
Goal 3: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures.
Objective 1: The resident will review and utilize ophthalmic fluorescein angiography to guide treatment and management.
Outcome: The resident will review 25 or more angiographic procedures (ophthalmic fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography) during the residency.
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 ordering and interpreting relevant laboratory and radiological procedures.
Outcome: The resident will order and/or interpret laboratory or radiological procedures on at least 25 patients during the residency.
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 interpreting posterior segment imaging techniques ( OCT).
Outcome: The resident will perform OCT testing and interpret the results on at least 50 patients during the residency.
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 interpreting ophthalmic photography and use it to guide decision making in the treatment and management of patients.
Outcome: The resident will interpret ophthalmic 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.
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. When possible, the resident will also present and submit posters or lectures to a national optometric meeting, such as the American Academy of Optometry and SECO.
Measure: The resident will report monthly on participation in conferences of this type using the patient encounter logs and summary sheets.
Goal 5: Enhance the resident’s knowledge of low vision care.
Objective: The resident will gain experience in managing patients with limited sight.
Outcome: The resident will evaluate and manage at least 25 patients with limited sight.
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 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 lectures during conferences and other meetings held at Southern College of Optometry, the Greenville Outpatient Clinic, and the Dorn VAMC. When possible, the resident will also 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.
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 1500 patient encounters, 60% 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 specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation while caring for patients.
Learning Activity: The resident will perform and/or interpret ophthalmic fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, B-scan ultrasonography, anterior segment 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.
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 co-management of patients who have systemic disease that impacts their ocular health.
Program Goal 5
Objective: The resident will acquire additional knowledge and skills in the management of patients with limited sight
Learning Activity: The resident will provide specialized care in the management of patients with limited sight
Outcome: The resident will be able to effectively care for patients with limited sight.
Program Goal 6
Objective: The resident will develop and present original presentations to other health care professionals.
Learning Activity: The resident will present lectures during conferences and other meetings held at Southern College of Optometry, the Greenville Outpatient Clinic, and the Dorn VAMC. When possible, the resident will also 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.
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.
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.
STATUS OF THE RESIDENT
A. The residents are defined as employees of the Greenville 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 license and furnish official transcripts when available.
C. Professional liability protection for residents for professional activity performed at the Greenville VAMC.
D. Residents will be required to present credentials according to the Greenville VAMC policy for credentialing of residents.
F. Residents privileges will be determined by Greenville VA policy.
LEAVE POLICY
All residents are eligible for sick and annual leave.
CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY
A. The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level which is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO and Greenville VAMC administrations. Typical Weekly Hours and After-Hours Responsibilities: Minimum of 40 hours per week will be required. The resident will provide emergency eye care services during regular clinic hours.
B. The resident is required to keep a record of patient contacts. Cases will be reviewed periodically by the Supervisor of the Residency Program and the Director of Residency Programs.
C. The resident is required to write a publication quality paper based on original research, literature review, or a clinical case.
D. The resident will be required to deliver an oral presentation at the annual Resident Weekend, held on the campus at SCO.
E. 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 Greenville VAMC.
F. The resident is 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 the Greenville VAMC or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which 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
The current stipend is $34,888. Compensation is not contingent upon productivity of the resident.
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.
OTHER EMPLOYMENT
Other employment (moonlighting) is permissible during the residency year provided it does NOT interfere with the primary responsibility of veteran care. Also, the VA malpractice insurance does NOT cover work performed outside the VA facility to non-veterans.
ACCREDITATION
The residency program at Greenville VAMC is fully accredited by the ACOE, 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:
Cheryl E. Mengelt, O.D.
Director of Residencies
Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3201
email: [email protected]