University Hospital Department of Ophthalmology
A Cornea & Contact Lens Residency with an emphasis in Anterior Segment Disease and Primary Care
1 Position Available
Mission Statement:
University Hospitals' mission is To Heal, To Teach, To Discover. Our cornea and contact lens resident will be provided the opportunity to join the Department of Ophthalmology, a multidisciplinary eye care team, to provide advanced anterior segment care to diverse patient populations in an academic medical center. Our providers have advanced clinical skills and technology and are leading and influencing the way for future optometrists. The resident will work directly with our team of optometrists, anterior segment specialists, ophthalmology fellows, ophthalmology residents, externs, technicians, and staff to provide high quality, efficient, and high-volume care for patients of all ages with anterior segment disease and complex contact lens needs.
The primary focus for clinical education will be gaining exemplary knowledge and skill in all areas of cornea and contact lens practice including comprehensive anterior segment evaluation, advanced contact lens fitting (including scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid, custom soft lenses, orthokeratology, multifocal and toric designs, post-surgical lenses, and prosthetic lenses), management of corneal diseases and disorders including ocular surface disease/dry eye syndrome, keratoconus and other corneal ectasias, infectious and inflammatory conditions of the anterior segment, penetrating and non-penetrating ocular trauma, chemical injuries, pre- and post-operative co-management of corneal transplants, cataract surgery, and other anterior segment surgical procedures.
The resident will have the opportunity to utilize advanced diagnostic technology including corneal topography, tomography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), specular microscopy, and anterior segment imaging. Our providers work closely with corneal surgeons, glaucoma specialists, and other ophthalmologic subspecialties to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex anterior segment pathology, including those with systemic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, dermatologic conditions, and genetic disorders affecting the ocular surface and cornea.
The resident will also see patients in their own clinics, alongside the optometric faculty. In these clinics the resident will provide comprehensive eye care, fit traditional and specialty contact lenses, and treat urgent ocular conditions. The resident will gain valuable experience in billing and coding whilst in their own designated clinic.
Finally, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is proud to house a robust team of clinical researchers who have participated in landmark clinical trials, helping to shape current best clinical practices and the future of eye care. During their residency year, the resident will have an elective opportunity to participate in clinical research and learn about this important aspect of healthcare if they so desire.
Commitment:
Program: 52 weeks, starting July 1st
Typical Weekly Hours: 40 hours, no on-call assignments
Program Description:
UH department of ophthalmology offers a one-year residency program in cornea and contact-lens with an emphasis in anterior segment disease management and primary care. The program’s didactic and clinical curriculum combines faculty expertise, medical, and technology resources to provide specialized training and knowledge in a dynamic and growing field. The combination of clinical training, research opportunities and attending responsibilities prepares residents to work in a variety of healthcare settings, particularly in an OD/MD setting.
Curriculum:
- Combination of faculty-directed clinical care, independent clinical care with faculty support, independent clinical care with technical support, and self-study with mentorship.
- The resident will work toward clinical independence in a progressive, per-quarter increase in own clinic time with the opportunity to consult with faculty as needed.
- The resident will be given the opportunity for surgical observation on an as desired and space/time allowable basis.
- The resident will participate in weekly ophthalmology Grand Rounds for 1 hour once per week and will be expected to present on a topic of their own choosing.
- The resident will prepare a publication quality care report or case series during their residency which will be co-authored and submitted for publication consideration.
- The resident will be expected to make a poster submission to the American Academy of Optometry and/or East West Eye Conference.
- The resident will be expected to follow the requirements and participate in programs as directed by the OSU Residency Director.
Requirements for Completion:
The resident will be awarded a residency certificate upon the successful completion of the following:
- All clinical, didactic, and academic assignments
- Medical documentation and communication
- Faculty and program reviews
- Satisfactory or greater remarks on performance evaluations
Benefits:
- Salary: $53,045.00 annually
- Paid leave of 3 weeks (15 business days) of personal and 1 week (5 business days) of professional
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescription Plan with FSA/HSA
- 403b/401k Retirement
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Malpractice/Liability Insurance group coverage
- Professional expense reimbursement up to $1000.00
Application Materials and Procedures:
Deadline: January 31st
By January 31st, applicants should have the following on file with the residency coordinator:
- Completed application through ORMatch Website
OR Match #45103 - Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of Intent
- Official optometry transcripts
- NBEO scores
- Letters of recommendation from three faculty closely acquainted with the applicant’s clinical proficiency
Applicants will be evaluated without regard to gender, race, creed, national origin, or non-disqualifying disabilities..
Selection Procedure and Admission Criteria:
- Applicants will be evaluated based on their submission through OR Match
- Provide all required materials to the Residency Director by the indicated deadline
- The Selection Committee will review all applications and offer an in-person interview to candidates meeting the desired qualifications for our program
- Preferred candidates will have:
- Graduated or anticipated graduation with the degree of Doctor of Optometry from an ACOE accredited school or college of optometry with a 3.0 (out of 4.0) GPA or higher at the time of application
- Successful completion of Parts I, II, III, and TMOD of the NBEO
- Ability to obtain State of Ohio Optometry License prior to start of program
All residency programs affiliated with The Ohio State University College of Optometry hold the status of “Accredited” or are applicants seeking an initial accreditation status from the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). For more information, see the ACOE’s website at www.theACOE.org or contact the ACOE at accredit@theacoe.org.
Sara Hitchman, OD, FAAO
Residency Coordinator
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University SOM Optometrist
216-844-4170
Sara.Hitchman@uhhospitals.org
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Department of Ophthalmology
University Hospitals Eye Institute
11100 Euclid Ave, Bolwell Suite 3200
Cleveland, OH 44106