MSCHE/ACOE Self Study

Related Educational Activities (MSCHE 13)

Residency Program Goals and Overview

The residency program supports the college’s mission to “develop outstanding optometrists” and “improve patients’ lives by providing exceptional general and specialized optometric care.” From the time it established a post-graduate clinical program in vision therapy, the first optometric residency in the nation, SUNY College of Optometry has been a leader in optometric residency education. It offers among the largest and most diverse selection of residencies in the country. Over 500 optometrists have completed residencies affiliated with SUNY College of Optometry. A list and descriptions of current residencies can be found at http://www.sunyopt.edu/academics/res_descript.shtml#PEC or in Appendix B- 18a. A certificate of advanced clinical competency is awarded upon graduation from any of the College’s residency programs. Residency education is overseen by the director of residency education who reports directly to the dean of academic affairs and is a member of Dean’s Council. Detailed policies and guidance regarding the residency program can be found in the Manual of Procedures for Residency Programs (Appendix B-18b or http://www.sunyopt.edu/academics/ResidentsManual.pdf). All residencies offered at or affiliated with the college are individually accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The residency standards employed by this DOE recognized accrediting agency can be found at http://www.aoa.org/documents/Residency_Manual_08_2009.pdf or in Appendix B-19. As part of the accreditation process, each program must prepare a detailed self-study that details its goals and objectives. An example of such a self-study is available on-site upon request. Distinctive features of the SUNY College of Optometry residency program include the required Friday on-campus didactic component that includes workshops, lectures and seminars and the SUNY Major Resident Presentations. For the latter, a two-day program is hosted on campus in which each resident gives a Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) approved continuing education lecture. The most recent program can be seen at http://www.sunyopt.edu/ceprog/SUNYs%20Major%20Resident%20Presentations %20schedule%2010.pdf or in Appendix B-20. Most residents are funded to attend at least one national meeting per year. The in-house residents are members of the United University Professions (UUP) and receive all the health benefits associated with this union membership. The Veterans Administration and Military residents receive health benefits through the federal government. Assistance with housing is provided informally on a program-by-program basis.

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