ABOUT | VA Chicago Residency

OUR PROGRAM

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer a one-year post-doctoral clinical experience in a multidisciplinary hospital-based setting, providing advanced competency in the comprehensive management of ocular disease and low vision rehabilitation. This foundation enables the optometrist to practice beyond entry level in a variety of practice modalities.

High patient volume with experience diagnosing & treating complex ophthalmic conditions
Close independent relationship with a nationally recognized Department of Ophthalmology
Extensive exposure to ocular and systemic disease as well as fitting of complex medically necessary contact lenses
Complete physical diagnosis, lab testing and imaging studies
Close mentorship from faculty with over 130 years of combined experience

What We Offer

Jesse Brown VA

Direct patient care (three days per week), including contact lens clinic 2 days per week
Wednesday: rounds and conferences (8 hours per week)
Jesse Brown residents cover walk-in triages during clinic hours. May see patients in the emergency room.

Hines VA

Each resident rotates at the Hines BRC 1 day per week, providing direct low vision care.

Program Overview

Completion of full 12 months of clinical experience
Case presentation at ICO Grand Rounds by 11 months
Complete manuscript or case report of publishable quality by 12 months. An Academy case report for fellowship is also acceptable.
Must obtain licensure before the end of the residency academic year per VHA Directive 1121(2) Appendix H.

Criteria for Completion

Chicago stipend - $50,286 (academic year 2025-2026)
Health Insurance
Malpractice in the VA covered under federal tort
Federal holidays, accrued vacation/sick days
Clinic Hours
- Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
  - Patients scheduled from 8am to 4:30pm. Residents may stay later for wrap-up (charting, ordering labs/imaging, etc)
- Weekends only as needed for follow-up

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

Direct Patient Care

Resident 1: Jesse Brown

Resident 2: Jesse Brown

Resident 3: Hines Low Vision

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

Monday

Direct Patient Care

Resident 1: Hines Low Vision

Resident 2: Jesse Brown

Resident 3: Jesse Brown

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

Tuesday

Didactics

All residents at Jesse Brown

Morning lecture with attending
Afternoon lecture or direct patient care (varies)
Attend UIC ophthalmology grand rounds

Wednesday

Thursday

Direct Patient Care

Resident 1: Jesse Brown

Resident 2: Hines Low Vision

Resident 3: Jesse Brown

Half day of follow-ups for medically necessary CL's.

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

Direct Patient Care

All residents at Jesse Brown

Morning includes 1-2 new fits for medically necessary CL's.

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

Friday

** Weekends: only as needed for follow-up

See More About the Program

VA Drug-Free Workplace Program

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for New Hires

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.