Top of Page
Skip main navigation

NSUCO Residency Programs

We had another amazing year in the NSUCO residency program! We graduated 9 fantastic residents in July 2019. Residency Weekend was held in January of 2019 with case presentations from 35 residents affiliated with the NSUCO residency program. Please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to follow our events: Facebook NSU Optometric Residency Page and Instagram @novaoptometryresidency.

The graduating residents had numerous scholarship opportunities and accomplishments. All 9 residents attended the American Academy of Optometry with four presenting posters at AAO Residents’ Day. Two residents presented academic posters at SECO. All three pediatrics residents attended the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) with two presenting posters. Two pediatrics residents attended the Optometric Extension Program (OEP) held on the NSU campus in the summer. Both contact lens residents were able to attend the Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI) meeting and the Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS).

All NSUCO residents had the opportunity to attend Special Olympics in Orlando and two residents attended Low Vision Initiatives throughout the state of Florida with the opportunity to provide care to this visually impaired pediatric population. Two residents attended the Alcon Academy Eyecare Excellence and one attended the Alcon Contact Lens Educators Meeting. Our ocular disease resident (Dr. Christian Corzo) was awarded the Larry Alexander Case Report Award.

A new class of 9 fantastic residents began the program on July 1, 2019. Our upcoming Residency Weekend will be Saturday February 8th and Sunday February 9th where they will be presenting interesting and challenging cases seen during their residency training. Hope to see you there.

 

Best,

vollmer

Lori Vollmer, O.D., M.S., FAAO

Director or Residency Programs

 

Interested in applying? Please email Dr. Haytac pa291@nova.edu.

Residency in Primary Care

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 $38,000 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 lvollmer@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.

 

CURRICULUM 

Current Residency in Primary Eye Care Positions Available
position name positions

Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Ocular Disease

Sample Schedule

 3

Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Pediatrics & Binocular Vision

Sample Schedule

 2

Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Cornea & Contact Lenses

Sample Schedule

 2

Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Low Vision

Sample Schedule

 1

For more information, send email to Lori Vollmer, OD, FAAO, Director of Residency Programs

Meet the Coordinators
Director of Residency Programs: Dr. Lori Vollmer
Assistant Director of Residency Programs: Dr. Mariem Abdou
Education Coordinator: Dr. Pinar Haytac
Coordinator for Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Ocular Disease: Dr. Joseph Sowka
Coordinator for Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Pediatrics & Binocular Vision: Dr. Jacqueline Rodena
Coordinator for Primary Eye Care with emphasis in Geriatric & Low Vision: Dr. Sharon Lee
Coordinator for Primary Care with emphasis in Cornea and Contact Lens: Dr. Andrea Janoff
Residency in Pediatric Optometry

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. "

 

Pediatrics Program Information

  • Positions Available:1

Sample Schedule

 

For more information, send email to Jackie Rodena, O.D., Program Coordinator

The following positions below are programs offered in conjunction with Nova Southeastern University. Note: Applicants to any of the programs below should contact that particular Program Supervisor for specific program requirements. All application materials for these programs should be sent to the appropriate address below: (Please do not send to NSU)

Affiliate Residency Programs

Primary Eye Care / Emphasis in Ocular Disease

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.

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:

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

Ocular Disease

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 an optometrist and several 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.

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Dr. Emilio Balius, Residency Supervisor
Aran Eye Associates
1097 SW LeJeune Rd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 755-4681 

Bascom Palmer will provide the framework by which the optometric resident will become proficient in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease. This will be accomplished through dedicated hard work, individual clinical experiences, didactic education and self-study. In helping to achieve this goal, Bascom Palmer offers an environment in which each resident will experience many of the essential aspects necessary in becoming proficient in managing patients with secondary and tertiary ocular conditions.

Current Positions Available: 6

Contact:

Natalie Townsend, O.D., F.A.A.O. 
900 N.W. 17th Street 
Miami, Florida  33136 
Phone:  305-482-4347     

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.

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:

Dr. Ryan Hargreaves, Residency Supervisor
Braverman Eye Center
1935 East Hallandale Boulevard
Hallandale, FL 33009
(954) 458-2112

VA Medical Centers

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.

Current Positions Available: 3

Contact:

Candace Cordero, OD
Attending Optometrist Bay Pines BA VAHCS
Optometry Residency Program Coordinator
candace.cordero@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

Current Positions Available:1

Program Coordinator:
Michael Meyer, OD, FAAO
Telephone: 904-475-6310
E-mail Address: Michael.meyer4@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.

Curent Positions Available: 3

Contact:

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

The William V. Chappell, Jr. Daytona Beach Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, sponsored by Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, and in conjunction with the ophthalmologic practices of Florida Retinal Institute, Filutowski Cataract and LASIK Institute, Miguel Lugo, M.D., and Tomoka Eye Associates, offers a one-year residency program in primary eye care.

About William V. Chappell Jr. Veterans Multi-Specialty Outpatient Clinic

Current Positions Available: 3

Contact:

Ruth Hyatt, O.D., FAAO
551 National Health Care Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 323-7500 x37756

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.

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

John M. Spalding, OD, FAAO
Optometry Residency Program Coordinator
Orlando VAMC - Eye Clinic
13800 Veterans Way
Orlando, FL 32827
407-646-5500 ext. 29165
FAX: 407-513-9616
john.spalding@va.gov

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

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Brady Hanlon, O.D., F.A.A.O., Residency Supervisor
VA TOPC, Eye Clinic
1607 St. James Court
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 878-0191

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.

Current Positions Available: 2

Contact:

Michelle Nguyen, OD
Residency Program Coordinator
619 S. Marion Ave
Lake City, FL 32025
Michelle.Nguyen2@va.gov

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.

Current Positions Available: 1

Contact:

Kasey Zann, OD, F.A.A.O. 
Surgical Service, Ophthalmology Clinic
1201 NW 16th St
Miami, FL 33125
(305) 575-7000 x3910

Return to top of page