NSUCO Residency Programs

Mission Statement

The Residency in Primary Eye Care seeks to attract the best-qualified optometric graduates and provide advanced clinical and didactic education in optometry. The program offers a variety of optometric and interdisciplinary care and is designed to foster a life-long commitment to learning.  Graduates of this residency program are trained to deliver superlative clinical care, to serve as optometric educators, and to serve the profession of optometry as leaders within the community and health care delivery system.

 

Area of Emphasis

 Each primary care resident may select an area of emphasis in which to further their clinical knowledge. These may include ocular disease (3 positions), cornea and contact lenses (2 positions), pediatrics and binocular vision (2 positions) and low vision (1 position). The resident will spend approximately 50-60% of their clinical time in primary care and 40-50% of their clinical time in specialty services related to their chosen area of emphasis. External rotations are also arranged with specialists based on the area of emphasis with the schedule rotating approximately every 3-4 months. After-hours emergency care is provided by all residents on a rotating basis.

 

Salary and Benefits

The salary is $40,000 for 12 months plus pro-rated amount for the additional 2 weeks of 12.5 month program. There are 5.5 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 professional development days for conferences and scholarly activities, 5 sick days, approximately 12.5 days for holiday closures (may vary, click link for details), lab jackets, business cards.

 

Application and Requirements

• All candidates must have received an OD degree from a College of Optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) prior to matriculation.
• All candidates are expected to submit into ORMatch a letter of intent, curriculum vitae and unofficial transcripts from an ACOE accredited college of optometry demonstrating a recommended minimum GPA of 2.8 or an average of 82% and three (3) letters of recommendation.
• NBEO Information and Requirements:
  • Candidates are expected to pass Part I of the NBEO in order to be offered an interview.
  • NBEO Part II and TMOD must be taken prior to interview and successfully passed to be ranked.
  • Candidates that do not pass Part II or TMOD, but have completed their application, will not be ranked but may be considered for any remaining unfilled positions once Part I, II and TMOD have been successfully completed.
  • Every candidate is required to take Part III and scores submitted as soon as available.
  • All candidates must be license eligible in Florida or another state and eligible to receive a Faculty Certificate. The minimum clinical requirements for Florida are not necessary for a Faculty Certificate.
• Additional Information
  • A small personal photograph on the CV would be appreciated.
  • Official transcripts will be required during the hiring process if a position is matched.
  • Additional letters may be submitted to the Program Coordinator directly Dr. Alexia Clark at ac3050@nova.edu
  • A photo or reporting of unofficial board scores should be submitted.
  • If matched, a background search will be conducted prior to beginning the program.
  • All candidates must hold a valid social security number (and card) and visa if international prior to beginning and both must be maintained for the entirety of the program.

Every candidate who applies must register with the Optometry Residency Matching Service (ORMatch), unless the candidate is applying for an UNFILLED position AFTER the official match date for a given year. Every candidate must be personally interviewed by the Director of Residency Programs and Coordinator to be considered for the program. Additional faculty may participate in the interview. Telephone interviews are not granted without extenuating circumstances and are only permissible when travel to the clinical facility is impossible.

Every candidate will be evaluated and rated based upon the interview and the candidates' submitted materials, in the areas of didactic and clinical knowledge, interpersonal skills, integrity, adaptability, motivation, maturity and patient management skills. Based on ratings of the candidate by the interviewers, the Director of Residency Programs and Program Coordinators will select and rank the most qualified applicant(s). The names of those candidates who are found to be acceptable will be submitted to the administrators at the Optometry Residency Matching Service (ORMatch), according to their policies and deadlines.

The Primary Care Residency program at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry holds the status of "accredited" by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The ACOE is the accrediting body for professional degree programs offered by all optometric institutions in the United States. The ACOE contact information is 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 301, St. Louis, Missouri 63141; telephone number (800) 365-2219.

Curriculum

 For more information, email to Dr. Alexia Clark, O.D., Interim Director of Internal Residency Programs (ac3050@nova.edu)

Mission Statement

The residency in Pediatric and Binocular Vision at Nova Southeastern University seeks to attract qualified graduates from schools and colleges of optometry and to provide them with advanced clinical training and didactic knowledge in pediatric optometry and binocular vision. Those who complete the program are expected to have expertise in providing eye care for infants, children and special needs patients as well as patients of all ages with binocular anomalies and/or visually related learning problems. They are expected to have the knowledge and skills to employ the health care team approach to patient care management. They will have the necessary skills to serve as optometric educators and to contribute to the advancement of the profession in the areas of pediatric optometry and binocular vision. "

Pediatric and Binocular Vision Residency - Brochure (PDF)

• Positions Available: 1

For more information, send email to Samantha Krueger, O.D., M.S., FAAO, FOVDR Program Coordinator

The Clayton Eye Center in conjunction with Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, offers a one-year residency program in primary care optometry with strong emphasis in ocular disease. Clayton Eye Center provides a unique environment in which the resident may experience a wide diversity of ocular disease entities through direct patient care in primary and secondary care clinics, all within a highly successful interdisciplinary setting. In addition to patient care, the program is supplemented by seminars, grand rounds, and lectures. Preparation of a paper suitable for submission for publication is required of residents participating in the residency.

• About Clayton Eye Center Residency Program (PDF)
• Clayton Eye Center Website

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Carey J. Phlong, O.D.
Program Coordinator
1000 Corporate Center Drive
Suite 100
Morrow, GA 30260
(770) 968-8888

The Emory Eye Center Residency in Ocular Disease with an emphasis in Cornea and Contact Lenses seeks to attract optometric graduates to provide advanced clinical expertise above and beyond that provided in the Doctor of Optometry program. The residency will have a focus on the anterior segment to develop clinical expertise in medical contact lens fitting and management, as well as the assessment and management of various diseases of the anterior segment.  

Emory University School of Medicine is a private medical school located in Atlanta, GA.   The Emory Eye Center and the Ophthalmology Department currently consist of 18 residents (6 per year) and 12-15 fellows in various subspecialties including Glaucoma, Retina, Uveitis, Neuro-ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, Pediatrics and Cornea.   

The primary site for this training program with be on the main Clifton Rd. Emory campus with some clinical time at Emory St. Joe’s and Emory Midtown Hospitals.   The residency will provide qualified Optometrists with advanced clinical training and education in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease in a high-volume academic medical setting. The program will also provide focused exposure in medical contact lenses, cornea and anterior segment disease management (including keratoconus) as well as refractive surgery. Additionally, the residency program will promote the development of life-long learning skills that will enable residents to provide high quality patient-centered care throughout their optometric career. 
 

Program Brochure (PDF)

Current Positions: 2
 
Contact: 
Susan Primo, O.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.O.
Program Coordinator
1365B Clifton Rd., NE Suite B1100
Atlanta, GA 30322 
Phone (404)778-3317
sprimo@emory.edu 

Aran Eye Associates is a tertiary care multi-specialty ophthalmic referral center with offices in Sunrise, North Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables and Kendall. An ambulatory surgical center and a laser vision correction center (The Laser Center of Coral Gables) are also part of our practice. We are comprised of several optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Specialty areas include cornea and cataract, glaucoma, vitreous-retina, oculoplastics, pediatrics and laser vision correction. The offices are equipped with advanced diagnostic instruments including corneal topographers, ocular biometry and ultrasonography units, anterior segment and fundus cameras, video slit-lamp units, Humphrey visual field analyzers, pachymeters, optical coherence tomographers as well as minor surgery suites.

• About Aran Eye Associates Residency Program (PDF)
• Aran Eye Associates Website

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:
Dr. Emilio Balius
Program Coordinator
Aran Eye Associates
1097 SW LeJeune Rd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(786) 264-2423

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, consistently ranked the #1 Eye Hospital in the USA, will provide the framework by which the optometric resident will become proficient in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute offers an environment in which optometry residents become proficient in managing patients with primary, secondary and tertiary ocular conditions by exposing the resident to a variety of learning environments and ocular subspecialties, didactic work, mentorship and a balance of independent and team work.

• About Bascom Palmer Eye Center Residency (PDF) Program
• Basom Palmer Eye Institute Website

Current Positions Available: 7

Contact:

Alison Bozung, O.D., F.A.A.O.

Residency Program Co-Coordinator

900 N.W. 17th Street 

Miami, Florida  33136 

Email: akb75@miami.edu

The Braverman Eye Center is a multidisciplinary practice comprised of 5 ophthalmologists, 3 optometrists, 1 licensed optician, 3 ophthalmic assistants and technicians, 1 certified ophthalmic technologist, and 5 administrative personnel.

• About Braverman Eye Center Residency Program (PDF)
• Braverman Eye Center Website

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:

Shalonda McCallum, O.D., M.B.A.
Program Coordinator
Braverman Eye Center
1050 N. Federal Hwy
Hollywood, Fl 33020
PH: 954-458-2112
FX: 954-454-5114
shalonda.mccallum@gmail.com

The Residency in Ocular Disease with emphasis in Contact Lenses seeks to attract the best-qualified optometric graduates and provide advanced clinical training in a medical-surgical environment. Graduates of this residency program are trained to deliver superlative care in ocular disease and to serve the profession of optometry within their community and health care delivery system.

Center for Sight has a diverse patient base and a variety of clinical facilities. The resident will have the opportunity to render care for a wide range of ocular conditions, including anterior segment disorders, glaucoma, retinal disease, pre-operative and post-operative care and ocular emergencies. They will also have exposure to soft contact lens and specialty lens fittings.

Center for Sight (PDF)

Contact:
Lori Vollmer, O.D., M.S., FAAO
Program Coordinator
1236 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
941-496-4444
lvollmer@centerforsight.net

Provision of optometric care within a multidisciplinary health care team framework is the goal of this Veterans Administration Medical Center residency. A heavy emphasis on direct patient care, under the supervision of highly qualified optometrists, along with delivery of case presentations, seminars, and discussions, enhance and refine the resident's clinical skills and problem-solving ability. Academic opportunities are numerous, and include Grand Rounds presentations from all areas of medical practice. Preparation of a paper or poster for publication is required prior to completion of the residency.

• About Bay Pines VA Medical Center Residency Program (PDF)

Current Positions Available: 3

Contact:

Candace Greenough, O.D.

Program Coordinator

Candace.greenough@va.gov 

The Bradenton VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bradenton, Florida, sponsored by Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, offers a one year  optometric  residency in primary eye care with an emphasis in ocular disease. The mission of the program is to provide qualified optometry post-graduates didactic and clinical training that will further develop and enhance skills in primary care and ocular disease. Individuals completing the program will be able to deliver an advanced level of optometric care in a clinical  setting, participate in co-management and multidisciplinary practices, and/or serve as clinical instructors at schools of optometry, or teaching institutions.

About Bradenton VA Outpatient Clinic Residency Program (PDF)

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:
Katherine Dunatov, O.D.
Program Coordinator
5520 E. State Road 64 Suite 101
Bradenton, FL 34208
Phone: (941) 721-0649  Ext 23311
Fax: (941) 749-3850

katherine.dunatov@va.gov 

The mission of the program is to provide qualified post-doctoral practitioners with an advanced educational experience that will enhance clinical skills in both primary eye care and ocular disease. Individuals completing the program will be able to deliver an advanced level of optometric care in a clinical setting, practice in co-management and multidisciplinary practices, and/or serve as clinical instructors at optometry schools.

About Jacksonville VA Program (PDF)

Current Positions Available:1

Contact:

Program Coordinator:

Roxanne Senechal, O.D., FAAO 

Jacksonville North VA Clinic
145 Heron Bay Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32218

roxanne.senechal@va.gov

The Gainesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center in conjunction with the University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology and the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, offers a one-year residency program in primary care optometry. The program is designed to provide optometry residents a comprehensive eye care experience at a tertiary-care medical center. Residents spend time in both the Optometry and Ophthalmology Clinics throughout the training year, and rotate through various ophthalmology subspecialties. Primary emphasis is on direct patient care that is supplemented by seminars, grand rounds, and lectures. Preparation of a paper suitable for submission for publication is required of residents participating in the residency.

• About Malcom Randall Gainesville VAMC Residency Program (PDF)

Curent Positions Available: 3

Contact:

Susannah Marcus, O.D., F.A.A.O. 
Residency Program Coordinator
5533 SW 64th Street
Gainesville, FL 32608

The mission of the Orlando Veterans Medical Center is to provide didactic and clinical training that will enable the resident to develop their skills in primary care, while diagnosing and managing patients with a wide variety of ocular and systemic diseases. High quality eye care will be provided to all patients while adhering to residency supervision guidelines. The program will provide the learning resources for the resident to expand upon their didactic knowledge base, apply this knowledge to patient care, and foster career-long learning that will qualify the resident to serve as a leader in optometric care and education.

About Orlando VA Medical Center Residency Program

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Beth E. Norris, OD, FAAO
Optometry Residency Program Coordinator
Orlando VAHCS - Eye Clinic
13800 Veterans Way Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32827
Phone: 407-631-2009
Fax: 407-513-9326
beth.norris@va.gov  

Nirmani Karunathilake, OD, MS
Optometry Residency Program Co-Coordinator
Nirmani.karunathilake@va.gov
Phone: 407-631-0112

The mission of the program is to provide qualified post-doctoral practitioners with an advanced didactic and clinical education. Upon completion of this program, doctors will be able to provide their patients with superlative care in addition to being qualified to serve as optometric educators and leaders in health care.

About Tallahassee VA Medical Center Residency Program (PDF)

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Brandon Sanders, O.D.
Program Coordinator
VA THCC Eye Clinic
2181 East Orange Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32311
Phone: (850) 513-7598
Fax: (850) 513-8014
brandon.sanders2@va.gov

The Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lake City, Florida, in conjunction with the Gainesville VA, University of Florida Department of Ophthalmology and Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, offers a one year residency program in primary eye care. The mission of the program is to provide qualified post-doctoral practitioners with an advanced educational experience that will enhance their clinical skills in primary care, low vision rehabilitation, and ocular disease. Individuals completing the program will be able to deliver an advanced level of optometric care in a clinical setting, participate in co-management and multidisciplinary practice and/or serve as clinical instructors at optometry schools.

This program is currently dormant and not accepting residency applications.

The Miami VA Medical Center is located within the Jackson Memorial Medical Center and University of Miami Medical Campus in the heart of Miami, FL. It serves approximately 285,000 veteran patients throughout south Florida and is one of seven members of the VISN 8 Healthcare System. The Miami VAMC Hospital is a tertiary care and referral center encompassing all sub-specialty medical and surgical fields and is state of the art and progressive with both its facilities and attending staff.

• About Miami VA Medical Center Residency Program (PDF)

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:

Kasey Zann, O.D., F.A.A.O. 

Program Coordinator
Surgical Service, Ophthalmology Clinic
1201 NW 16th St
Miami, FL 33125
(305) 575-7000 x3910