RESIDENCY IN OCULAR DISEASE Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston

Stephen M. Taylor, O.D., Program Supervisor

Bradford J. Shingleton, M.D., Preceptor

Claudine Y. Kawabata, O.D., Preceptor

Introduction:

Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston was founded in 1969 with the goal of providing eye care of the highest quality to patients in a comfortable and professional

atmosphere.  OCB is a group of board certified ophthalmology sub specialists who hold teaching positions at Harvard Medical School and Tufts New England

Medical School.  Sub-specialities include cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina, ophthalmic plastic, uveitis and immunology and pediatric ophthalmology.  OCB’s staff

includes 10 optometrists who provide consultative services in refraction, contact lenses and low vision as well as being an integral part of providing eye care service

to a growing base of primary care and post surgical patients.  The office is equipped with the latest diagnostic, laser and surgical equipment and maintains its own

optical dispensary and ambulatory surgical center.

Patient Population:

A majority of our patients are seen on a referral from local, national and  international medical, ophthalmologic, and optometric sources.  They typically suffer from one ocular pathology and, in many instances, have multiple ocular and systemic disorders.  The range is inclusive from primary care to the most complicated ocular and medical conditions.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the Optometric Residency Program to provide the resident with a wide range of clinical experiences and exposure to interprofessional

relationships.  The residency will also provide training in clinical research and scholarship and encourage the resident to develop a commitment to the visual welfare

of the public. 

Program Format:

This is a one year program running from July 1st till June 30th of the following year.  For two to three days per week the optometric resident will provide direct patient care with the program supervisor, attending faculty, optometric student extern, and ophthalmic technicians.  The resident will participate in the care of patients presenting for a variety of reasons including routine comprehensive eye care, glaucoma, pre and post-operative co-management, urgent care, limited contact lens fitting including keratonconus, bandage contact lenses, and post penetrating keratoplasty. There will be a sub-speciality rotation in cataract and glaucoma two days per week.  One-half day per week will be set aside for the resident’s independent study/professional development.  This will encompass areas such as clinical research, case report/poster preparation, manuscript research and hands on training in an audiovisual multimedia department and video laboratory time.

 Program Goals:

Typical Weekly Schedule

The goals of this residency include the following:

1. Expose the clinician to a wide range of patients with abnormal ocular conditions.

2. Provide the resident with intensive training in several sub-specialty ocular disease areas.

3. Provide guidance, supervision and mentorship in regards to the management of a wide variety of ocular conditions.

4. Provide the resident with an opportunity to manage ocular conditions and to assess the healing process.

5. Produce comfortable symbiotic interprofessional relationships.

6. Produce comfortable intraprofessinal relationships.

7. Develop clinician independence and encourage autonomy.

8. Provide the resident with training in pre-surgical evaluation.

9. Provide the resident with training in post-operative management.

10. Involve the resident in clinical research.

11. The resident will produce as co-author, one journal quality research paper.

12. The resident will produce one lecture quality case presentation.

13. The resident will participate in the instruction of fourth year optometry students and participate in office technician development.

Stipend/Benefit Package:

The annual stipend is $34,000.  Benefits include 80% of an individual health care plan, malpractice insurance for OCB related clinical activities, NECO Library privileges, and $800 educational stipend to attend an annual academic meeting, ten days paid vacation, 8.5 days of paid holidays, and there is tuition waver at NECO continuing education programs.

Optometric Residency Completion Requirements

1. To attend all scheduled clinic sessions as assigned and demonstrate appropriate professional conduct at all times.

2. To demonstrate the necessary clinical skill, expertise and progress, as well as the appropriate professional attitudes commensurate with the programs mission, goals and objectives.

3. To attend the four formal NECO residency conferences and any other designated education programs which have been selected by mutual                     agreement.

4. To complete assigned research and submit abstracts, drafts, manuscripts and presentations in a timely manner.

5. To maintain the residency log.     

6. To complete all program evaluations as required in a timely manner.

Application Requirements:

Application instructions can be obtained from the Optometric Residency Matching Service (ORMS) at www.orns.org or from Dr. Stephen Taylor, Program

Supervisor. The application information will include the following:

Letter of intent/career objectives

Three letters of recommendation

NBEO Scores

Optometry School transcripts

Eligibility for Massachusetts licensure

February 1, 2010 deadline

For more information please contact:

Stephen M. Taylor, O.D.

Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston

50 Staniford Street, Suite 600

Boston, MA  02114

Telephone:  (617) 367-4800

Email: smtaylor@eyeboston.com