SouthEast Eye Specialists

 

PROGRAM SITES: Chattanooga

PROGRAM STAFF: Leslie Phillips, OD, Luckson Previl, OD, Zachary McCarty, OD, Robin Brady, OD

RESIDENCY DIRECTOR: Dr. Leslie Phillips

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2

ACCREDITATION: Accredited.

PROGRAM DATES:  This program is 12 consecutive months duration, beginning the first Monday after the July 4^th holiday.
 

MISSION

The Mission of SouthEast Eye Specialists’ Optometric Residency in Ocular Disease is to offer qualified residents advanced clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases and in the pre-operative and post-operative care of patients undergoing a variety of ocular surgical procedures. The program will prepare the resident to work confidently and efficiently as part of a dynamic team of professionals including optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians, and administrative personnel.
 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This post-graduate residency program is offered by SouthEast Eye Specialists, PLLC (SEES), an affiliate of Southern College of Optometry (SCO). The goal of this program is to provide advanced clinical training in the treatment of ocular disease, surgical co-management and peri-operative care, as well as comprehensive care to patients ranging from infant to geriatric. SEES’s integrated eye care model allows the resident to work in conjunction with both optometrists and ophthalmologists in a fast-paced private practice that treats the entire spectrum of ocular pathologies. The medical staff of SEES includes board-certified, residency-trained optometrists as well as ophthalmologists with sub-speciality training in cataract, pediatrics, glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics, and cornea. This structure allows SEES to offer a wide-range of services to a diverse population of patients.

The resident will be required to participate in the care of patients Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and to periodically cover after hours emergency care. In addition, the resident will be required to present twelve clinical cases via power point to the staff doctors. The resident is invited to lecture and present case reports at resident seminars held in conjunction with SEES educational conferences as well as local and national optometric conferences. 

 

ABOUT SOUTHEAST EYE SPECIALISTS

SEES is an Optometric Referral Center with a state-of-the-art eye center and adjoining ambulatory surgery center located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The medical staff currently includes eight residency-trained optometrists and eight ophthalmologists with sub-specialty training in cataract, pediatrics, glaucoma, cornea, retina, and oculoplastics.

SEES state-of-the-art eye center has an array of diagnostic instruments including perimetry, optical coherence tomography, scheimpflug imaging, A&B ultrasonography, biometry, digital photography, corneal topography, specular microscopy, and more. The ophthalmic ambulatory surgery center is also on the forefront of technology and the first in eastern Tennessee to implement femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

SEES exists to provide high quality eye care on a referral only basis to patients of all ages through a multi-specialty, integrated care approach. Each patient is treated with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion and the staff of SEES strives to continuously understand their needs and exceed their expectations of quality eye care. Patients, primary care physicians, ophthalmologists and optometrists recognize SouthEast Eye Specialists as a leader in integrated eye care.

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN

This Residency in Ocular Disease is based on an integrated OD/MD model and is a comprehensive twelve months of educational experience designed to provide advanced clinical training in the examination, diagnosis and management of a broad spectrum of ocular conditions and diseases. 
 

• The resident will perform mentored clinical care services to patients with a variety of ocular pathologies including, but not limited to, lids and adnexa, cornea and anterior segment, vitreous and retina, optic nerve and extra-ocular muscles by utilizing medical management options, and when appropriate, pre-operative assessment and/or post-operative management.
• The resident will participate in after-hours emergency care.
• The resident will observe surgical procedures including advanced cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal surgery, glaucoma surgery, vitreo-retinal surgery and oculoplastics surgery.
• The resident will be asked to participate in any clinical research conducted by SEES during the term of the residency.
• The resident will be encouraged to present at least one poster or paper to a local, state or national meeting
• The resident will prepare a manuscript of publishable quality.
• The resident will participate in and present at SEES continuing medical education meetings.
• The resident will participate in local and/or national optometric meetings.
• The resident will spend a minimum of 40 hours each week at SEES office.

 

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

Goal 1: Strengthen the resident’s expertise in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease.

Objective 1: The resident will complete a minimum of 2500 patient encounters with patients presenting with ocular disease. The demographics include infants, children, adults and geriatric patients. 

Outcome: The resident will develop advanced expertise in the management of patients with vitreo-retinal disease, glaucoma, anterior segment disease, and neuro-ophthalmic disease.

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

 

Objective 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 2: Expand the resident’s knowledge of specialized diagnostic procedures and instrumentation.

Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting ophthalmic ultrasonography.

Outcome: The resident will perform a minimum of 10 ophthalmic ultrasonography (A or B-scans) and interpret the results.

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

 

Objective 2: The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting corneal topography, and biometry.

Outcome: The resident will perform a minimum of 50 corneal topography and 50 biometry tests and interpret the results for intra-ocular lens selection or other corneal abnormalities.

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

 

Objective 3: The resident will develop expertise in performing fundus photography.

Outcome: The resident will perform fundus photography on at least 20 patients.

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

 

Objective 4: The resident will develop expertise in performing and interpreting Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Outcome: The resident will perform optic nerve OCT on at least 50 patients, macula OCT on at least 25 patients, and anterior segment OCT on at least 15 patients and interpret the results.

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

 

Objective 5: The resident will develop expertise in ordering and interpreting relevant medical laboratory procedures and neuro-imaging.

Outcome: The resident will order nuero-imaging and laboratory procedures on at least 15 patients.

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

 

Goal 3: Expand the resident’s knowledge in the care of corneal and refractive surgery patients.

Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in evaluating patients for advanced refractive corneal surgeries including LASIK, PRK, PKP for Keratoconus, DSAEK for Fuch’s Dystrophy, and LK for Epithelial Dystrophy.

Outcome: The resident will provide or participate in the evaluation of a minimum of 25 patients.

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 corneal and refractive surgery post-operative care and management of post-operative surgery complications 

Outcome: The resident will provide post op care to a minimum of 25 patients.

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

 

Goal 4: Expand the resident’s knowledge in the care of cataract patients.

Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in evaluating patients for cataract surgery.

Outcome: The resident will provide or participate in the evaluation of a minimum of 250 patients.

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 post-operative cataract care and management of post-operative complications 

Outcome: The resident will provide post op care to a minimum of 400 patients.

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

 

Goal 5: Expand the resident’s knowledge in the care of glaucoma patients.

Objective 1: The resident will develop expertise in diagnosing and management of glaucoma patients. Residents will be required to perform all necessary tests in the diagnosis of glaucoma including gonioscopy, pachymetry, and funduscopy. Residents will be required to order and interpret additional testing for glaucoma. The resident will become proficient in differentiating glaucomatous cupping from other optic nerve diseases. Furthermore, the resident will be confident in co-management of post surgical glaucoma patients such as SLT, trabeculectomy, iridotomy, tube shunt, MIGS and Diode laser trabeculopasty.

Outcome: The resident will provide glaucoma care to a minimum of 300 patients.

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 post-operative glaucoma care and management of post-operative complications 

Outcome: The resident will provide post op care to a minimum of 50 patients.

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

 

Goal 6: Increase the resident’s knowledge of Retinal diseases and their Managements.

Objective: The resident will acquire additional knowledge of retinal diseases and treatment, particular those associated systemic diseases.

Outcome: The resident will develop expertise in diagnosing and management of patients with retinal diseases such as ARMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, CME and more. The resident will be able to confidently identify the location of retinal lesions. The resident will develop expertise on how to educate patients clearly and concisely for their appropriate retinal conditions.

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

 

Goal 7: 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 participate with non-optometric providers in management of patients with systemic disease. The resident will participate in relevant presentations and conferences on systemic disease.

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

 

Goal 8: 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 at least twelve case presentations to SEES medical staff, will complete a review on four assigned Journal articles, and when possible will present posters or lectures in other settings such as local optometry meetings hosted by SEES, the American Academy of Optometry, and SECO.

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

 

Goal 9: 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 end of the program.

 

Goal 10: The resident will acquire a practical understanding of patient coding, billing, and practice management in a secondary care clinical setting.

Objective: The resident will become familiar with the documentation and coding requirements for appropriate billing of third party payers whether on paper or through electronic charting.

Outcome: The resident will indicate appropriate ICD-10 codes along with CPT codes for examinations on clinical documentation. In addition, the resident will attend lunch and learn sessions that review billing and coding practices.

Measure: The resident will review coding decisions with attending physicians on a weekly basis. In addition, the resident will document attending a minimum of 5 billing and coding lunch and learns offered by the practice covering the topics of 92XXX vs 99XXX codes, diagnostic testing, modifiers, PQRS, and ICD-10.

In addition to the specific educational objectives listed, the resident will participate in any clinical research being conducted by SEES doctors, attend continuing medical education (CME) meetings, and attend grand rounds presentations hosted by SEES. Generally, the following areas are covered during multiple presentations every year:

• Office Emergencies
• Anterior and posterior segment ocular disease 
• Advances in surgical management of ocular disease

 

CLINICAL ROTATIONS

The Resident will gain clinical experience at the main SEES Clinic in Chattanooga, TN and possibly on occasion at associated satellite offices. The exact schedule for these rotations will be determined by the program supervisor.
 

 

DIDACTIC ACTIVITIES OF THE RESIDENT

The resident will attend and present at SCO’s Resident Weekend. A paper of publication quality is due by the program’s end.


 

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 3.2 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.

 

CONTRACT

All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard resident contract.
 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Stipend: $42,000. Compensation is not contingent upon productivity of the resident.
• Health, dental, basic life & AD&D, supplemental life & AD&D, long-term disability and flex benefits
• Paid leave–PTO/CE: 10 days and compensated professional meeting time is granted
• Holidays: All standard holidays as recognized by SEES (6 holidays)
• CE reimbursement: $1,000 for certain CE events approved by SEES
• License & malpractice insurance: Paid for the duration of the residency
 

LEAVE POLICY

One week of educational leave, two weeks of personal are available with prior approval of the Supervisor. Additional educational leave may be allowed at the discretion of the above individuals.
 

SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY

The resident is required to write a paper based upon original research, literature review, or a clinical case suitable for publication in a refereed optometric journal.
 

OTHER EMPLOYMENT

The resident may be allowed to provide patient care services outside of the SEES Clinic system on a limited basis only with advance written permission by SEES Clinic’s residency supervisor.

 

CRITERIA FOR COMPLETION OF RESIDENCY

A. The resident is required to deliver clinical services at a level which is satisfactory to the Residency Supervisor of SEES, Director of Residency Programs, and the SCO administration. The office is open from 8:00 A.M. until patient care is completed, usually around 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. On call services are required after 6 months of training.
B. The resident will be required to keep a record of patient contacts. Logs will be reviewed periodically by the Residency Supervisor of SEES and the Director of Residency Programs when appropriate.
C. The resident will be required to write a paper based on original research, literature review, or a clinical case for publication in an acceptable professional journal.
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 will be 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 SEES Clinic.
F. The resident will be expected to assist in the continuing education programs provided at SEES Clinic. The resident will deliver twelve powerpoint presentations to SEES medical staff.
G. The resident is required to participate in and complete the requirements set forth in the curriculum.
H. 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.
I. Any resident accepted for training can be dismissed, without receiving a certificate of completion, for infractions of the rules and regulations of Southern College of Optometry, or for any action that 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.
 

ACCREDITATION

The SouthEast Eye Specialists Residency in Ocular Disease is fully accredited by the ACOE, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100.
 

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon evidence of satisfactory performance in meeting all requirements of the program, the resident will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from 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 
Office: (901) 722-3201 
Fax: (901) 722-3244 
email: [email protected]