MSCHE Self Study April 2021

From the time it established 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 ( Residency List ). As of June 30, 2020, 936 optometrists completed residencies affiliated with SUNY College of Optometry. 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 vice president and 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 Residency Manual . Distinctive features of the SUNY College of Optometry residency program include the required Friday didactic component that includes workshops, lectures and seminars and the SUNY Resident Major 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. Residents are provided funding of a fixed amount to attend a national meeting when they are first or second authors on a presentation. The in ‐ house residents are members of the United University Professions ( UUP Contract ) and receive all the health benefits associated with this union membership (but are not voting faculty members). The Veterans Administration and Military residents receive health benefits through the federal government. All other sites provide benefits specific to that location. Assistance with housing is provided informally on a program ‐ by ‐ program basis. Funding Structure Program sponsors fund the residency stipends. Sponsors include SUNY College of Optometry, the Veterans Administration Hospital, the Army or the practice entity where the residency is located. In ‐ house residents, depending on the program, may rotate through external sites contracted with the College, who pay a portion of the resident’s salary. Advanced Graduate Certificate in Optometry Business Management Recognizing that clinical training may not be sufficient to prepare professionals in healthcare for the demands of leading and managing or working within healthcare systems, many health professions’ schools have begun to offer coursework to increase their graduates’ understanding of business management. The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Optometry Business Management was developed through a partnership between the SUNY College of Optometry and SUNY Empire State College to meet these demands. The two colleges deliver coursework jointly.

The curriculum is composed of six courses:  SUNY College of Optometry courses:

o Optometric Practice in a Changing Health ‐ Care Environment o Public Health

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