Ocular Disease and Low Vision Rehabilitation Optometric Residency

A Unique Program That Offers:

• High patient volume with experience diagnosing & treating complex ophthalmic conditions

• Close independent relationship with a nationally recognized Department of Ophthalmology

• Interaction with medical, surgical and rehabilitation specialties

• Exposure to cutting edge ophthalmic technology both medical and rehabilitation

• Exposure to fitting of complex medically necessary contact lenses

Program Overview

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday are devoted to direct patient care  40 hours per week.​

• Wednesday is devoted to rounds and conferences primarily at Jesse Brown VAMC (Chicago formerly West Side VA) ; 8 hours per week. ​

• Each resident rotates to the  Hines BRC for 4 months where they spend Monday, Tuesday & Thursday with direct patient care.  

Clinical Hours

• Monday Tuesday Thursday and Friday 

  • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm​

• Wednesday 

  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Weekends​

  • Only as needed for patient follow-up​

• Off on 11 federal holidays ​

• 14 vacation / sick days 

Overall

• Extensive exposure to ocular and systemic disease

  • Routine and obscure ​

• Complete physical diagnosis, lab testing and imaging studies ​

• Comprehensive Low Vision

• Intense and demanding program, but well worth it

  • Results in confidence in approaching any condition that you will encounter​

General Information

• Chicago stipend - $38,722

• Health Insurance

• Malpractice for practice in the VA covered under federal tort

Certificate Requirements

• Successful completion of full 12 months of clinical experience

• PowerPoint Case Presentation at ICO Grand Rounds

• Complete 1st Journal review by 6 months with JB attendings

• Completing manuscript or presentation of publishable quality by 12 months of program

  • AAO Fellowship Case Report may substitute for manuscript ​