Program Policies

 

PROGRAM MISSION

The program's mission is that the resident will experience a unique opportunity to develop proficiency in pediatric optometry, developmental vision, binocular vision, and rehabilitative vision therapy. The post graduate clincian will acquire the patient education and practice management skills needed to excel in a private practice environment.

 

Goal 1:  Enhance the resident’s clinical skills in developmental and functional vision disorders

Objective: The resident will develop proficiency in the delivery of eye and vision care, principally directed toward pediatric optometry, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation.

Outcome: The resident will provide eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, demonstrating proficiency in reviewing intake information, obtaining a case history, and performing a comprehensive eye health and visual evaluation.

These encounters will include but not be limited to: visual efficiency, visual processing, visual integration, strabismus, developmental disorders of spatial vision, attention deficit, autistic spectrum and acquired brain injury disorders.

Measure: The resident will report the number of patient encounters of this type using an activity log.
 

Goal 2:  Develop the resident’s expertise in the differential diagnosis and management of functional visual system disturbances and disease processes.

Objective 1: The resident will anticipate the appropriate diagnostic procedures based on the patient’s total case history.

Outcome: The resident will consistently select and successfully perform high yield procedures for each patient, including differentiating disease conditions masquerading as binocular disorders and the inverse.

Measure: The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to determine progress in test selection and application.


Objective 2: The resident will rank order diagnoses optimally suited to each patient.

Outcome: The resident will consistently select the most appropriate diagnosis or diagnoses for each patient, with increasing independence as the residency program progresses.

Measure: The resident will be evaluated quarterly by the supervisor to assess the resident’s diagnostic acumen.


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:  Advance the resident’s skills in technology-based tests utilized for special procedures.

Objective 1: The resident will develop proficiency in administering and interpreting Visagraph for eye movements involved in reading and open-view auto-refraction for objective measurement of accommodation.

Outcome: The resident will conduct and evaluate the results of these procedures for at least 100 patient encounters.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an activity log.


Objective 2: The resident will develop expertise in the utilization of advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation to investigate disease and establish the functional nature of strabismus and amblyopia.

Outcome: The resident will perform and/or interpret tests with advanced ophthalmic diagnostic instruments including threshold visual fields, retinal photography, and visual evoked potentials for at least 50 patients.

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


Objective 3: The resident will engage in corneal reshaping therapy for myopia reduction guided by corneal topography and diagnostic lenses.

Outcome: The resident will participate in at least 10 corneal reshaping patient encounters.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an activity log.

 

Goal 4: Expand the resident’s skills in vision therapy procedures.

Objective 1: The resident will develop proficiency in administering vision therapy procedures according to textbook guidelines, as well as adapt, customize and innovate as required for optimal patient care. 

Outcome: The resident will administer at least three procedures on each vision therapy patient encounter, for a minimum of 100 patient encounters, reflecting a balance between computerized and non-computerized procedures.

Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using an activity log.
 

Goal 5:  Develop the resident’s skills in presenting topics to fellow professionals.

Objective: The resident will acquire skills needed to effectively present information publically in a group setting.

Outcome: The resident will present lectures during meetings to include weekly on-site case conferences and at least one presentation to a group off-site.  .

Measure: The resident will report monthly on these types of activities using an activity log.
 

Goal 6:   The Resident will engage in scholarly activities reflective of post-graduate study.

Objective: The resident will assist in the preparation of a professional manuscript based on patient care encounters on site.

Outcome: The resident will prepare a manuscript to be submitted for publication, and/or a poster presented at the annual meeting of COVD, AOA, Academy, or NORA.

Measure: The resident will complete the manuscript or poster by the designated completion date of the Residency program.
 

CURRICULUM

The educational objectives of the curriculum are designed to facilitate the mission, stated goals, and objectives of the program as follows:
 

Program Goal 1

Objective: The resident will develop proficiency in the delivery of eye and vision care, principally directed toward pediatric optometry, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation

Learning Activity: The resident will provide eye and vision care services involving a minimum of 1000 patient encounters, demonstrating advanced skills in reviewing intake information, obtaining a case history, and performing a comprehensive eye health and visual evaluation.

These encounters will include but not be limited to: visual efficiency, visual processing, visual integration, strabismus, developmental disorders of spatial vision, attention deficit, autistic spectrum and acquired brain injury disorders.

Outcome: The resident will develop advanced skills in the management of patients as mentioned above.
 

Program Goal 2

Objective: The resident’s expertise in the differential diagnosis and management of functional visual system disturbances and disease processes will be developed.

Learning Activity: The resident will consistently select and successfully perform high yield procedures for each patient, including differentiating disease conditions masquerading as binocular disorders and the inverse.  The resident will consistently select the most appropriate diagnosis or diagnoses for each patient, with increasing independence as the residency program progresses 

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 can include electro diagnostics, ophthalmic photography, and relevant laboratory and radiological procedures.

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

Program Goal 4

Objective: Expanding the resident’s skills in vision therapy procedures.

Learning Activity: The resident will develop proficiency in administering vision therapy procedures according to textbook guidelines, as well as adapt, customize and innovate as required for optimal patient care. 

Outcome: The resident will administer at least three procedures on each vision therapy patient encounter, for a minimum of 100 patient encounters, reflecting a balance between computerized and non-computerized procedures.
 

Program Goal 5

Objective: The resident will develop and present original presentations to other professionals.

Learning Activity: The resident will acquire skills needed to effectively present information publically in a group setting, to include lectures during on-site case conferences and to a group off-site. 

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 manuscript pr poster on an approved topic reviewed and critiqued by the supervisor, then submitted for publication/presentation to either AOA American Academy of Optometry, COVD, or NORA.

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.

1. You must have already passed NBEO Part I, II and TMOD in order to apply to one of our programs through ORMatch.
2. You must have passed NBEO Part III and ISE (if applicable) in order to begin an SCO affiliated residency program.
3. 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

The residency program is 54 weeks in length. It will run July 1 – July 15 of the next year, starting 2016.

 

LEAVE POLICY

The resident is eligible for up to 50 annual leave days, on days designated by the Supervisor. This includes sick days, personal leave, and time for educational leave. Personal and educational leave days not designated by the Supervisor are granted only upon prior request by the Resident with approval of the Supervisor.

 

STATUS OF THE RESIDENT

A.  The resident is defined as an employee of Family Eyecare Associates, P.C., and the residency stipend is paid by the Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.  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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. is provided by Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. 
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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.

 

CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY

A.  The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level that is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor, Director of Residency Programs, and SCO. Normal operational hours are from 10:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M., Monday through Thursday, with the resident working a four-day week.  The resident is expected to be on site during all scheduled working hours, except when attending or delivering lectures or doing approved visitations.  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 and the Director of Residency Programs 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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. 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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. 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

A residency stipend will be paid by our site in the amount of $40,000 paid on a bi-monthly basis. Compensation is not contingent upon productivity of the resident. Additional benefits such as FICA and professional liability insurance are also funded by our site.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance may be purchased by the resident through Family Eyecare Associates, P.C.

 

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 Family Eyecare Associates, P.C. 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 for Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.

 

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]