Optometric Residency
Ocular Disease / Low Vision Rehabilitation / Contact Lenses
OUR PROGRAM
Our Mission
The mission of the optometry residency in ocular disease / low vision rehabilitation is to offer clinical experiences in the diagnosis and management of patients with ocular disease at a post doctorate level, which exceeds that attainable in private practice. Hence, the optometrist is offered the foundation from which to teach, research, or practice in a multidisciplinary setting.
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High patient volume with experience diagnosing & treating complex ophthalmic conditions
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Close independent relationship with a nationally recognized Department of Ophthalmology
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Extensive exposure to ocular and systemic disease as well as fitting of complex medically necessary contact lenses
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Complete physical diagnosis, lab testing and imaging studies
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Close mentorship from faculty with over 130 years of combined experience
What We Offer
Jesse Brown VA
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: direct patient care (40 hours per week), including contact lens clinic 2 days per week
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Wednesday: rounds and conferences (8 hours per week)
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Jesse Brown residents cover walk-in triages during clinic hours. May see patients in the emergency room.
Hines VA
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Each resident rotates at the Hines BRC for 4 months
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Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: direct low vision care.
Program Overview
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Successful completion of full 12 months of clinical experience
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Case Presentation at ICO Grand Rounds
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Complete 1st journal review by 6 months with JB attendings
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Complete manuscript or presentation of publishable quality by 12 months
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AAO Fellowship Case Report may substitute for manuscript
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Certificate Requirements
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Chicago stipend - $38,886
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Health Insurance
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Malpractice in the VA covered under federal tort
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11 federal holidays,14 vacation/sick days
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Clinic Hours
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Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
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Patients scheduled from 8am to 4:30pm. Residents may stay later for wrap-up (charting, ordering labs/imaging, etc)
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Weekends only as needed for follow-up
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General Information
The residency program runs from July 1 thru June 30 of the following year.
However, please note that new resident orientation begins one week prior to starting the residency July 1.
Weekly Schedule
Jesse Brown
Two 4-month rotations
Monday
Tuesday
Direct Patient Care
Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm
Direct Patient Care
Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm
Wednesday
Didactics
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Morning lecture with attending
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Afternoon lecture or direct patient care (varies)
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Attend ophthalmology grand rounds at UIC
Thursday
Direct Patient Care
Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm
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Half day of contact lens follow-ups for medically necessary CL's
Direct Patient Care
Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm
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Morning includes 1-2 new fits for medically necessary CL's
Friday
Direct Patient Care
Low Vision at Hines BRC
Hines
One 4-month rotation
Didactics
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Morning lecture with attending
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Afternoon lecture or direct patient care (varies)
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Attend ophthalmology grand rounds at UIC
Hines resident at JBVA
Direct Patient Care
Low Vision at Hines BRC
Direct Patient Care
Ocular Disease at Jesse Brown
Hines resident at JBVA
Direct Patient Care
Low Vision at Hines BRC
** Weekends: only as needed for follow-up
Health Professions Trainees (HPTs) are appointed as temporary employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As such, HPTs are subject to laws, policies, and guidelines posted for VA staff members. There are infrequent times in which this guidance can change during a training year which may create new requirements or responsibilities for HPTs. If employment requirements change during the course of a training year, HPTs will be notified of the change and impact as soon as possible and options provided. The VA Training Director for your profession will provide you with the information you need to understand the requirement and reasons for the requirement in timely manner.