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.

  • 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

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: direct patient care (40 hours per week), including contact lens clinic 2 days per week

  • Wednesday: rounds and conferences (8 hours per week)

  • Jesse Brown residents cover the on-call pager during clinic hours. May perform bedside exams in ward or see patients in the emergency room.

 

Hines VA

  • Each resident rotates at the Hines BRC for 4 months

  • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: direct low vision care. 

Program Overview

  • Successful completion of full 12 months of clinical experience

  • Case Presentation at ICO Grand Rounds

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

  • Complete manuscript or presentation of publishable quality by 12 months

    • AAO Fellowship Case Report may substitute for manuscript ​

Certificate Requirements

  • Chicago stipend - $38,722

  • Health Insurance

  • Malpractice in the VA covered under federal tort

  • 11 federal holidays,14 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

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

  • Morning lecture with attending

  • Afternoon lecture or direct patient care (varies)

  • Attend ophthalmology grand rounds at UIC 

Thursday

Direct Patient Care​

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

  • Half day of contact lens follow-ups for medically necessary CL's 

Direct Patient Care​

Clinic hours: 8am to 6pm

  • ​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

  • Morning lecture with attending

  • Afternoon lecture or direct patient care (varies)

  • 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