RESIDENCY IN PRIMARY EYE CARE
MEMPHIS VAMC
affiliated with
SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the residency is to prepare optometrists to provide full-scope primary care optometry by providing post-graduate clinical experience beyond that provided in the Doctor of Optometry program.
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, 500 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 on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
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 asses the resident’s management skills.
Objective 4: The resident will become familiar with the treatment and management of patients with low vision.
Outcome: The resident will examine and prescribe appropriate low vision devices.
Measure: The resident will report the number of exams of this type using the activity log.
Goal 3: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic instrumentation.
Objective 1: The resident will develop proficiency in performing and/or interpreting fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography.
Outcome: The resident will perform fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography and interpret the results.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
Objective 2: The resident will develop expertise in ordering and/or interpreting relevant laboratory procedures.
Outcome: The resident will order and/or interpret relevant laboratory procedures.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
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.
Measure: The resident will report on the number of patient encounters of this type using the activity log.
Goal 5: 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 and at the Memphis VAMC 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 on these types of activities using the activity log.
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 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 1000 patient encounters, 500 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 a wide variety of diagnostic procedures and instrumentation while caring for patients.
Learning Activity: The resident will perform and/or interpret optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, relevant laboratory 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 comanagement of patients who have systemic disease that impacts their ocular health.
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 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 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.
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.
STATUS OF THE RESIDENT
A. The residents are defined as employees of the Memphis 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 Tennessee license and furnish official transcripts when available. If accepted, the resident is expected to obtain a Tennessee optometry license.
C. Professional liability protection for residents for professional activity performed at the Memphis VAMC.
D. Residents will receive a Southern College of Optometry identification card which will allow access to campus facilities.
E. Residents will be required to present credentials according to the Memphis VAMC policy for credentialing of residents.
F. Residents privileges will be determined by Memphis 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, the Residency Committee, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO and Memphis VAMC administrations. Normal clinic hours are from 7:15 A.M. until patient care is completed, usually around 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with the resident in clinic four days per week.
B. The resident is 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.
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 Memphis 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 Memphis VAMC or those set forth by Southern College of Optometry, or for any action which jeopardizes the safety of patients, personnel, or physical facilities.
STIPEND
The salary is $32,018. 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 Memphis VAMC is 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 of Academic Affairs at Southern College of Optometry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Cheryl E. Ervin, O.D.
Director of Residencies
Southern College of Optometry
1245 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 722-3201
email: cervin@sco.edu