Program Description
The residency program at the College of Optometry at UM-St. Louis provides clinical experience in the theory and clinical application of contact lenses. Participation in advanced contact lenses instruction, research, and rotation through private practice and refractive surgery clinics will be included in this program.
Contact lens practice management will be emphasized with the assistance of experienced and reputable adjunct faculty. A participant in a qualified residency program should be in the advantageous position of being able to select among several career opportunities in optometry. Schools and Colleges of Optometry, Veterans Administration Hospitals, HMO’s, and private settings generally prefer hiring an O.D. who has completed a clinical residency program.
Selection Procedure and Admission Criteria
Selection Procedure:Participation in the ORMatch Service
Must submit letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, 3 letters of recommendation, UMSL application and official optometry school transcripts. Completed applications are reviewed, qualified applicants are interviewed and a ranking is submitted to ORMatch which determines the final selection.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.
Admission Criteria
• Applicants must complete the ORMatch application by the UMSL deadline of February 1st.
• Applicants must obtain an O.D. degree from an ACOE accredited program by the residency program starting date
• Preference given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
• Submit required application materials requested by each program
• Must demonstrate eligibility to work in the U.S.
• As per the state requirement for university employees, a criminal background check is required
• Matched Applicants must:
• pass all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
• pass all examinations required for Missouri licensure
• provide official optometry school transcripts prior to residency start date
• obtain Missouri optometry licensure within 30 days of the residency start date
Program Benefits and Liability Coverage
•Health Coverage
•Professional Liability Insurance
•Vacation
•Paid Sick Leave
•Travel Allowance
•Other: Dental and Life insurance
Requirements for Completion
•Completion of the 54 weeks of residency
•Attending the assigned clinic services
•Working with the Coordinator of Emergency Services
•Attending the advanced contact lens seminars & lectures
•Participation in the college's grand rounds
•Organizing assigned workshops
•A minimum of one manuscript of publishable quality
•Participate in a clinical research study
•Presentation of a new seminar topic to students
•Coordinate a journal club for students
•Attend the AAO, HOACLS or other national meeting
•Performance-via evaluations-at minimum, a 3.0 of a 5.0
•An exit interview will be arranged with the Contact Lens faculty
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry Residency Program in Cornea and Contact Lenses is to provide high quality, advanced post-graduate education and clinical training in cornea and contact lenses to qualified optometrists who will contribute to eye care and the profession of optometry, particularly in this specialty area. Upon successful completion of this program, the resident will be able to pursue a professional career in a contact lens practice, refractive surgery co-management, optometric contact lens education and/or clinical research. The program instills in its residents a professional and scientific attitude, skills for lifelong learning, a commitment to the profession of optometry and a desire to contribute to the social welfare of the community.
Teaching Responsibilities for Resident/Graduate Student
The resident will participate in advanced contact lens instruction, contact lens laboratory instruction, and supervision of third and fourth year optometry students in Contact Lens Clinic.
Typical Weekly Hours and After-Hours Responsibilities
40 hours per week, Residents share on-call duties
Stipend
$37,500
Research Responsibilities
The resident will write a minimum of one research paper suitable for publication in a refereed journal.
If you have any questions regarding our residency program please contact Carl Kramer, O.D.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
Email: accredit@theacoe.org
Address: 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 301, St. Louis, MO 63141
Website: www.theACOE.org
Phone: 800-365-2219
