Program Policies

PROGRAM MISSION

The Mission of the residency is to prepare optometrists to provide full-scope primary pediatric, vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitative care by providing post-graduate clinical experience beyond that provided in the Doctor of Optometry program, in a setting that promotes excellent in patient care, education and research.

Goal 1: Enhance the resident’s examination skills in optometric primary care with an emphasis on functional vision disorders

Objective: The resident will develop a high degree of efficiency in the provision of primary eye and vision care services, particularly in the areas of pediatrics, child development, vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, for head trauma and stroke.

Outcome: The resident will provide primary eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1500 patient encounters, 25% of which will include obtaining a case history, performing a full functional/behavioral evaluation in addition to the routine optometric examination. 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, and visual information processing problems, AD/HD, autism spectrum, and acquired brain injury, from stroke or from head trauma.

Measure: The resident will report the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Goal 2: Strengthen the resident’s expertise in the diagnosis and management of refractive, physiological and pathological conditions of the eye, the adnexa, visual pathways and the central nervous system.

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 appropriate 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 instrumentation.

Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in interpreting ophthalmic visual fields, particularly as related to stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Outcome: The resident will perform and interpret the results of ophthalmic fields on at least 30 patients who have experienced stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Objective 2:The resident will develop expertise in the utilization of advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation to rule out pathology and to demonstrate the functional nature of amblyopia.

Outcome: The resident will perform and/or interpret tests with advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instruments (such as the Visagraph Computer Eye Movement System, HRTII, FDT visual fields instrument, Optos diagnostic imaging system, etc.) on at least 100 patients.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Objective 3:The resident will gain experience in prescribing vision rehabilitation devices for patients with visual impairment, particularly involving trauma and stroke.

Outcome: The resident will evaluate at least 30 patients with visual impairment, determine appropriate low vision aids or other assistive devices, and educate patients regarding their use.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Goal 4: Increase the resident’s knowledge of the diagnosis, management, and treatment of systemic and ocular disease.

Objective 1: The resident will acquire additional knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and co-management of systemic disease with particular emphasis on those with significant ocular manifestations such as trauma, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.  The resident will also acquire additional knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macula degeneration, retinal disease, and other primary eye care disease states.

Outcome: The resident will evaluate at least 50 patients with systemic disease with significant ocular manifestations under the supervision of Drs. Tannen, Despotidis and Lee in the ocular disease unit of EyeCare Professionals, PC.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters and participation in consults of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Objective 2: The resident will also acquire additional knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macula degeneration, retinal disease, and other primary eye care disease states

Outcome: The resident will evaluate at least 50 patients with ocular disease under the supervision of Dr. Lee in the ocular disease unit of EyeCare Professionals, PC.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters and participation in consults of this type using the patient encounter logs.

Goal 5: Develop the resident’s skills 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 meetings of the clinic or other health care providers. The resident will, when possible, also present posters or lectures in other settings such as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Academy of Optometry, AOA or other such meetings.

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 a paper of publication quality.

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 and vision care services, particularly in the area of pediatrics, child development, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation, for head trauma and stroke.

Learning Activity: The resident will provide primary eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1500 patient encounters, 25% of which will include obtaining a case history that will include obtaining a case history, performing a full functional/behavioral evaluation in addition to the routine optometric examination.

Outcome: The resident will develop enhanced skills in the management of primary eye and vision care patients as mentioned above.

Program Goal 2

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.

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, AD/HD, autism spectrum, acquired brain injury from stroke or from head trauma.

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

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 diagnostic tests that will include electrodiagnostic testing, digital ocular photography, optic nerve and macula coherence imaging, and relevant laboratory and radiological procedures.

Outcome: The resident will develop advanced knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.

Program Goal 4

Objective 1: The resident will acquire additional knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and co-management of systemic disease with particular emphasis on those with significant ocular manifestations such as trauma, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.

Learning Activity: The resident will provide eye and vision care to 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 and visual health and that can have a direct impact on the patient’s quality of life. 

Objective 2: The resident will acquire additional knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macula degeneration, retinal disease, and other primary eye care disease states.

Learning Activity: The resident will provide primary eye and vision care to patients with eye disease, and co-manage with the appropriate specialists for those patients who have eye disease beyond the scope of primary eye care providers.

Outcome: The resident will be able to diagnosis, treat and co-manage patients will various ocular disease states

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 to the clinic or another staff/group and when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the American Academy of Optometry, AOA and other such meetings.

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. The paper will be submitted to a peer reviewed journal.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A. All applicants must complete the SCO application and return by January 30. Supporting documents should be submitted to the Director of Residency Programs of Southern College of Optometry no later than January 30. This program uses Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch). Applicants must complete the ORMatch application by the SCO deadline of January 30, to be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all supporting documentation is submitted to each entity involved, e.g., the College, ORMatch, and the residency site supervisor. 

In order to take part in the Match you must have passed NBEO Part I, Part II (PAM) and TMOD. 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 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 state licensure and furnish official transcripts when available. If accepted, the resident is expected to obtain a state optometry license.

E. Three letters of recommendation are required.

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.

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 EyeCare Professionals, PC and the residency stipend is paid by EyeCare Professionals, PC. No tuition or fees are applicable.

B. The resident should apply for optometric license in New Jersey prior to the beginning of the residency.

C. Professional liability protection for residents for professional activity performed at EyeCare Professionals, PC is provided by EyeCare Professionals, PC.

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 EyeCare Professionals, PC.

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 and EyeCare Professionals, PC. Normal clinic hours are from 9:00 A.M. until patient care is completed, Monday through Friday, with the resident working a five-day week. The resident is expected to be present in the clinic during all scheduled working hours, except when attending or delivering lectures or doing study or research. 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 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 EyeCare Professionals, PC and Southern College of Optometry Residency Programs.

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 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 EyeCare Professionals, PC 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 the clinic. The stipend is currently $37,000. Compensation is not contingent upon productivity of the resident. Additional benefits such as FICA and professional liability insurance are also funded by the clinic.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The resident will have the opportunity to purchase health insurance at a nominal cost through EyeCare Professionals, PC.

MOONLIGHTING POLICY

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.

ACCREDITATION

The residency program at EyeCare Professionals, PC is fully 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 for Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Cheryl Ervin, O.D.

Director, Residency Programs

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

(901) 722-3372

Email: cervin@sco.edu