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Residency Programs

Note on Application Deadlines:

Application deadlines will be altered to remain consistent with those specified on the ORMatch website for all 2021-22 Southern College of Optometry affiliated residency programs.  Deadlines can be accessed at https://natmatch.com/ormatch/.  Questions can be directed to SCO's Director for Residency Programs, Dr. Cheryl Mengelt, at [email protected]. 

 

2021-22 Optometry Residency Applications

2021-22 Residency Applications will be welcome prior to NBEO score release. Accepted residents must be eligible for a state optometric license by the program's start date. 

SCO's Residency Programs give graduate optometrists additional opportunities to expand their clinical knowledge and skills. The residency programs that we offer include:

  • Primary Care Optometry
  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Cornea and Contact Lenses
  • Vision Rehabilitation
  • Ocular Disease

 

SCO Optometry Residency Program Focus Options

Primary Care Optometry Pediatric Optometry Family Practice Optometry
Community Health Optometry Geriatric Optometry Cornea and Contact Lenses
Ocular Disease Refractive and Ocular Surgery Anterior Segment
Glaucoma Retina Neuro-Optometry
Vision Rehabilitation Vision Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation Low Vision Rehabilitation
Brain Injury Rehabilitation    

 

All of our programs are either accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education or being prepared for accreditation.

 

 

Optometric Residency FAQs

Unlike most medical degree programs, optometry does not require graduates to complete an optometric residency. Residency offers an invaluable opportunity to gain advanced competencies by applying the academic knowledge gained as a student in a clinical setting with complex patients, while also gaining didactic acumen. Residencies help produce the future leaders of the optometric profession.

 

How long is an optometric residency, or how long do most optometry residency programs last?

An optometric residency lasts for a minimum of 1 year (12 consecutive months), while some may be slightly longer. Many optometric residency programs will begin on July 1 and conclude the following June. During residency, expect to encounter a combination of:

  • Clinical application
  • Self-directed learning
  • Seminar participation
  • Mentorship from a licensed optometrist

 

Will I receive a salary and benefits in an optometry residency program?

Most optometric residents receive:

  1. An annual stipend
  2. Health insurance at group rates
  3. Professional liability insurance
  4. Travel funding

 

What are the prerequisites for a residency applicant?

Optometric residency applicants must:

  • Hold 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.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Pass NBEO Parts I, II and TMOD in order to take part in the ORMatch match process in February/March, though candidates are welcome to submit an application at any time (before receiving scores)
  • Pass NBEO Part III and be eligible for a license in the state where the program resides in order to accept a residency position.

 

What types of optometric residencies are available?

The five main types of optometric are:

  1. Primary Care Optometry
  2. Pediatric Optometry
  3. Cornea and Contact Lenses
  4. Vision Rehabilitation
  5. Ocular Disease

Unique Alternative Optometric Residency Options

Many combination programs are offered with areas of emphasis, including: 

  • Primary Care Optometry
  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Family Practice Optometry
  • Community Health Optometry
  • Geriatric Optometry
  • Cornea and Contact Lenses
  • Ocular Disease
  • Refractive and Ocular Surgery
  • Anterior Segment
  • Glaucoma
  • Retina
  • Neuro-Optometry
  • Vision Rehabilitation
  • Vision Therapy/Vision Rehabilitation
  • Low Vision Rehabilitation
  • Brain Injury Rehabilitation

 

How many residency programs should I consider?

ORMatch will allow candidates to apply to 10 programs for a single fee. The average applicant applies to 5 programs. Things to consider are time off to interview and costs incurred. You will interview at each individual site.

 

Can I apply for a residency after I have already graduated?

Yes. Anyone can apply as long as they meet the candidate requirements.

 

How can I make myself a competitive candidate for a residency?

In order to stand out as a candidate for any type of residency, it’s beneficial to:

  • Maintain a competitive GPA
  • Join optometric student organizations
  • Network - reach out and introduce yourself
  • Advocate for the profession
  • Participate in community service opportunities
  • Get involved in research
  • Pick externships with similar disciplines/venues
  • Arrange a visit to the practice if this is practical
  • Research the programs prior to your interview
  • Prepare questions to ask during your interview that demonstrate interest
  • Be confident yet amicable - smile and maintain eye contact during the interview
  • Update your CV and write a strong letter of intent
  • Form positive clinical impressions with your staff doctors so they can write strong, positive, personalized letters of recommendation

 

Will I be paid during my residency year?

Yes, most likely. There is work without compensation programs but these are rare. You can expect a modest salary with paid benefits which vary from program to program.

 

Will I be able to defer my student loans during residency training?

Deferment is not an option, however, forbearance is. Meaning, you are not responsible for payments during your residency but interest accrues.

 

What support documents do I need to prepare for my application?

This varies from program to program. In general, you will be asked to submit: An application through ORMatch, an application through the affiliate institution, a letter of intent, an updated cv, official transcripts, NBEO scores, and 3 letters of recommendation.

 

Where do I send my support documents?

All items are to be made available to ORMatch during the application process.

 

What are the important deadlines to remember for optometric residency?

Application season opens in October and closes in January. Interviews typically take place in late January-early February. The Match (selection of residents) takes place in early March. Most residency programs begin on July 1.

 

Does a residency’s accreditation status matter?

A residency that is accredited by the ACOE holds an official stamp of approval. Completion will earn points towards a Fellowship in the AAO, NBEO Board Certification and earn you consideration of a Faculty position. 

Keep in mind:

  • A residency in its initial year will be labeled as Accreditation-Pending. This is NOT a red flag.
  • If a program has been offered for more than 1 year and is not accredited you must ask why.
  • A Fellowship does not go through the accreditation process.
 

More Resources for Students Applying for Optometric Residency Programs

 

 

 

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