Cornea & Contact Lens Residency

University of Missouri-St. Louis

College of Optometry

One University Blvd.

331 Marillac Hall

St. Louis, MO 63121

Director of Residencies:Julie Ott DeKinder, O.D.

Telephone: (314) 516-6534

Email:

Program Coordinator:Jessica Tu, O.D.

Telephone: (314) 516-5606

Email: tuje@umsl.edu

Description of Program:

This 54 week Residency Program will provide extensive clinical experience in the theory and clinical application of contact lenses. Participation in advanced contact lenses and corneal physiology instruction, research, and rotation through refractive surgery and ophthalmology clinics will be included in this program. Contact lens practice management will be emphasized with the assistance of experienced and reputable adjunct faculty. The resident will assist with direct patient care and the teaching of student interns. Other responsibilities include on-call and attending and/or lecturing at seminars. This position will report to the Program Coordinator.

All applicants selected for admission must sign a standard employment contract. Standard University benefits and continuing education funding apply. A criminal background check is required by the state of Missouri.

A participant in qualified residency program should be in the advantageous position of being able to select among several career opportunities in optometry. Schools and colleges of optometry, Veterans Affairs Hospitals, HMO'S, industry and private settings generally prefer hiring an O.D. who has completed a clinical residency program.

Length of program: 54 weeks

Starting Date of Program: On or about July 1

Salary/Stipend: Approximately $36,500/year

Benefits (if applicable):1) Health insurance

2) Professional liability insurance

3) Life insurance

4) Dental insurance

Expected weekly hours: 40 hours

Completion Acknowledgement: Certificate

Requirements for Completion:Completion of the 54 weeks of residency

Attending the assigned clinic services

Working with the Coordinator of Emergency Services

Attending the advanced contact lens seminars andlectures

Presenting once a semester at the college's grand rounds or three total

Presenting required seminars to fourth year students

Organizing assigned workshops

A minimum of one manuscript of "publishable quality"

Participate in a clinical research study

Author and distribute, at minimum, two newsletters

Attend either the AAO or the HOA

Performance-via evaluations-at minimum, a 2.5 of a 5.0

An exit interview will be arranged with the Contact Lens faculty

The Certificate will be awarded by the Program Coordinator. (The resident will be recognized at the College of Optometry Commencement, but will not receive their

certificate until on or about July 15.

Therapeutics: Yes

Ophthalmology Service: No

Date Program Established: July 1, 1985

Accreditation Status: Yes

Prerequisites:O.D. degree from an ACOE accredited program by starting date

Preference given to GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale

Successful completion of NBEO examinations

Eligible for Missouri optometry licensure (Must obtain licensure by July 31of the year the residency started)

Submit required application materials

*Must demonstrate eligibility to work in the U.S.

As per the state requirement for university employees, a criminal background check is required.

Selection Procedure:Participation in the OR Match Service http://www.natmatch.com/ormatch.html

Must submit letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, threeletters of recommendation,and official optometry school transcripts

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Number of Positions: 1

Curriculum Description:

The resident participates in patient care via providing professional services in the Center of Eye Care either in residency clinic or supervising students. Emphasis is placed upon the management of difficult-to-fit contact lens patients (i.e., bifocal, toric, irregular cornea). In addition, the resident provides clinical supervision in the primary care service of third year students. The resident also provides emergency coverage and patient care over student breaks. The resident examines primary care, contact lens, ocular disease and post-surgical patients under optometric supervision at Saint Louis University Eye Center and The Koetting Associates. In the first half of the residency, an advanced contact lens course is provided and in the second half, the resident attends lectures provided by leading contact lens practitioners. Each week, the resident participates in and at times, leads seminars and workshops for fourth year students. The resident attends, at minimum, one professional meeting, usually the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry. The resident serves as co-investigator in at least one contact lens clinical study. A research paper, literature review or case report suitable for publication in a refereed journal is required.