Associated Eye Care's optometric residency program in Ocular Disease

Heather McLeod OD (hemcleod@ico.edu)

Associated Eye Care's optometric residency program provides advanced training and experience in the treatment of ocular disease through patient care, clinical research, education and scholarship in an integrated eye care model.

This post-graduate residency program is offered by the Associated Eye Care (AEC) in Minnesota, an affiliate of the Illinois College of Optometry. The goal of this program is to provide advanced clinical training in the treatment of ocular disease, clinical research, surgical co-management and perioperative care, as well as comprehensive care to patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric. Associated Eye Care's integrated eye care model will allow the resident to work in conjunction with both optometrists and ophthalmologists in a fast-paced private clinic that treats the entire spectrum of ocular pathologies. This organization includes a broad range of sub-specialized eye care providers such as pediatric, glaucoma, retina, dry eye, cornea and anterior segment, therapeutic contact lens, as well as refractive laser and cataract specialists. This structure allows us to care for our patient's "vision for a lifetime".

The resident will spend a minimum of 40 hours each week at Associated Eye Care.There will be after hours on-call time and two clinical projects, such as case reports, are required over the course of the year. Involvement in clinical research will also be required. Residents are invited to lecture and present case reports at resident seminars held in conjunction with the Illinois College of Optometry as well as local and national optometric conferences.

* The resident will perform mentored clinical care services to patients with ocular pathologies including, but not limited to, the areas of cornea and anterior segment, vitreous and retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics and pediatrics by utilizing medical management options, and when appropriate, pre-operative assessment and/or post-operative management. * The resident will also preform comprehensive care of patients including complete eye exams and contact lens fitting. * The resident will participate in after-hours emergent care. * The resident will observe surgical techniques including advanced cataract procedures, LASIK and refractive procedures, SLT as well as surgical glaucoma procedures and lid procedures. * The resident will participate in the clinical research taking place at Associated Eye Care. * The resident will be encouraged to present at least one poster or paper. * The resident will prepare a manuscript of publishable quality. * The resident will participate in and present at quarterly journal review meetings. * The resident will participate in local and/or national optometric meetings.

Application is through the ORMatch

1. Visit ORMatch web site natmatch.com/ormatch/programs/applications.html and submit your application.

2. Contact the program coordinator (Jacob Lang O.D., FAAO, jlang@associatedeyecare.com  www.associatedeyecare.com) declaring your interest in applying.

3.Applicants are encouraged to take part three of NBEO prior to January so results may be available at the interview.

4. Arrangements for an on-site interview will be made.

5. After completing the interview process, complete the ORMatch Applicant's Ranking Form.

Applicants must have earned an O.D. degree by the time of matriculation from an accredited school or college of optometry and licensure in the state of Minnesota is required. An office interview is an integral part of the application process. All applicants will be evaluated without regard to sex, race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin or non-disqualifying disabilities. The application information and office interview aide the selection procedure.

Associated Eye Care is a comprehensive and tertiary eye care practice with optometric, ophthalmologic and optical services including a state of the art surgery center. There are currently four optometrists and ten ophthalmologists at AEC with sub-specialties in pediatrics, glaucoma, cornea and external disease, retina, anterior segment, oculoplastics and refractive surgery.