Program Overview

Residency in Ocular Disease with Emphasis in Primary Care and Geriatric Optometry

Program Description

The Ocular Disease /Primary Care /Geriatric Low Vision Rehabilitation Optometry Residency Program at the Robert J. Dole Veterans Affairs Medical center is a 12-month (52-week) post-graduate clinical education program with two positions available. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometry Education and affiliated with the University of Missouri School of Optometry St. Louis. The resident is an employee of the VA Medical Center facility and a clinical staff member in the Optometry Clinic.

Program Mission Statement

Our mission, in conjunction with the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, is to promote higher education by providing extended training beyond the scope afforded through a traditional optometric graduate program. The program provides advanced training and experience in the optometric field with special emphasis in the areas of Ocular disease, Primary Care, and Geriatric care.

Program Details

The program focuses on advanced competency in the clinical skills and scholarly development of the residents by exposing the residents to direct patient care enhanced by lectures, conferences, presentations, and consultation with other medical services. Residents will become proficient in ocular disease diagnosis and management, and comanaging systemic conditions that have ocular manifestations.

Educational Opportunities

The resident will have the opportunity to work with fourth year optometry students. The resident will be involved in Eye clinic Department Grand Rounds and participate in lectures and a Resident journal club. The resident will be required to attend at minimum, one professional meeting.

Teaching Responsibilities for Resident/Graduate Student

During the second half of the residency, the residents have the opportunity to proctor 4th year optometry students. The Resident will participate and present monthly Grand Rounds to Eye clinic providers and students as well as monthly Journal Club reviews of peer reviewed journal articles.

Vision Rehabilitation Services

The mission of Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is to assist eligible veterans and active duty Service members with a visual impairment in developing the skills needed for personal independence and successful reintegration into the community and family environment.

Optometry Staff

• Michelle L Dent, OD FAAO
• Sean Knaak, OD
• John Volosin, OD
• Bryce A Krehbiel, OD FAAO
• Julie A Bricker, OD

Program Location, Salary, and Benefits

• Location: Robert J. Dole VAMC, Eye Clinic, Parklane Shopping Center, 949 S Glendale, Wichita, KS 67218
• Length of Program: 12 months, July 1 start date
• Salary and Benefits: $44,477, insurance, full liability insurance coverage, sick leave/annual leave, authorized absence granted for educational purposes

Requirements for Completion

• Completion of the 12 months of residency attending the assigned clinic services
• Completion of the 52 weeks of residency
• Attending and presenting required lectures and grand rounds with students, staff and faculty
• A manuscript of publishable quality or Poster/Presentation/Lecture presented at the regional or national meeting or completion of a research project

Non-discrimination

The Robert J. Dole VAMC Optometry Residency Program provides equal educational opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or sex.

Optometry Residency Program Admission Requirements

• O.D. degree from an accredited program by starting date
• 3 Letters of recommendation
• Interview
• Eligible for state optometry licensure
• Must be a US citizen
• Completion of ORMatch
• Path to Passing of NBEO exams I, II, and III