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Residency Program in Refractive Surgery at Kugler Vision

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2024-25 Resident: Alexander Vaughn, OD

Program Description

The resident will work closely with ophthalmologists and optometrists who have subspecialty training in anterior segment, cataract, cornea, dry eye and refractive surgery in a private clinic/ referral center setting. There will be a strong emphasis on pre- and post-operative management of ocular surgery patients. The resident will observe surgery and work with ophthalmic technicians.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Residency Program in Primary Care with emphasis on Refractive and Ocular surgery program at Kugler Vision seeks to advance the competency of the resident in the medical management of ocular disease and co-management of ocular surgery with specific emphasis on refractive, cataract, and corneal surgery.

Program Goals 

Goal 1: Expand the resident’s knowledge in Primary Care optometry

Objectives:

  1. The resident will participate in primary care examination of patients.
  2. The resident will develop advanced competence in the treatment and management of refractive conditions.
  3. The resident will develop advanced competence in the treatment and management of anterior segment disorders.
  4. The resident will develop advanced competence in the treatment and management of posterior segment disorders and other ocular disease conditions.

Goal 2: Achieve clinical competency in the evaluation and management of corneal refractive surgery patients (LASIK, PRK, SMILE).

Objectives:

  1. The resident will participate in the evaluation of patients presenting for refractive surgery
  2. The resident will help determine the best procedure to achieve the desired result
  3. The resident will participate in the pre and post-operative management of refractive surgery patients including those with complex recovery and/or complication management
  4. The resident will keep a log of all patients under this goal

Goal 3: Achieve clinical competency in the evaluation and management of IOL based refractive surgery patients (Refractive Lens Exchange, Phakic IOL).

Objectives:

  1. The resident will participate in the evaluation of patients presenting for IOL based refractive surgery
  2. The resident will help determine the best procedure to achieve the desired result
  3. The resident will participate in the pre and post-operative management of lens-based refractive surgery patients including those with complex recovery and/or complication management
  4. The resident will keep a log of all patients under this goal

Goal 4: Achieve clinical competency in the evaluation and management of premium IOL based cataract surgery.

Objectives:

  1. The resident will participate in the evaluation of patients presenting for cataract surgery
  2. The resident will help determine the best technology and targets to achieve the desired result
  3. The resident will participate in the pre and post-operative management of cataract surgery patients including those with complex recovery and/or complication management The resident will keep a log of all patients under this goal

Goal 5: Develop competence in the understanding of the advanced optics of refractive surgery

Objectives:

  1. The resident will be comfortable and competent using the most modern diagnostic technology available including Scheimpflug Imaging, HD Analyzer, iTrace Wavefront Aberrometry, Endothelial Spectroscopy, Anterior / Posterior OCT, Epithelial Mapping, UBM Ultrasound, Interoperative aberrometry, and other technologies
  2. The resident will be competent in understanding how the diagnostic technology may be used to deliver the desired results for patients

Goal 6: Encourage the pursuit of scholarly activities

Objectives:

  1. The resident will participate in the publication of scholarly articles.
  2. The resident will participate in ongoing clinical trials
  3. The resident will participate in teaching technicians and staff
  4. The resident will be encouraged to submit an abstract for a poster to the AAO, AOA, or HOAECC annual meeting.

Curriculum Description

  1. The resident will participate in patient care by providing professional services at Kugler Vision.
  2. The resident will examine primary care, pre- and post-surgical patients, and ocular disease patients underoptometric and ophthalmological supervision at Kugler Vision.
  3. The resident will participate in, and at times, lead seminars, workshops and journal club for Kugler Vision optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic technicians and partner optometrists.
  4. The resident will attend, at a minimum, one professional regional meeting.
  5. The resident will participate in regular discussions and reviews of literature
  6. The resident must submit an abstract for a poster to the AAO, AOA or HOAECC annual meeting.
  7. The resident must write a research paper, literature review or case report suitable for publication.

Selection Procedure

The selection process will include the candidate's personal statement, curriculum vitae, official transcripts from optometry school and all post-graduate schools, test scores from NBEO Part 1, Part 2, and at least 3 letters of reference (two from individuals who are familiar with the candidate's clinical skills). The Program Coordinator will select and rank the most qualified applicants with input from the residency faculty. The rank order list will be submitted to the Optometry Residency Matching Service (ORMatch Service) in accordance with their policies and deadlines.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Admission Criteria

  1. Candidates must earn the degree of Doctor of Optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education prior to the starting date of the residency.
  2. Submit required application materials.
Requirements for Completion
  1. The resident is required to achieve an overall performance evaluation of “satisfactory” or higher on their final evaluation by the program coordinator.
  2. The resident is required to maintain a patient log.
  3. The resident must complete all teaching assignments and conduct monthly seminars..
  4. The resident must submit an abstract for a poster to the AAO, AOA or HOAECC annual meeting.
  5. The resident is required to complete all evaluations of attendings, residency program coordinator, and the residency program. 
  6. The resident must write a research paper, literature review or case report suitable for publication.

Expected Hours
Expected weekly hours of resident's attendance including on-call duties (if any): 45 hours/week; on call 10-13 weeks per year


Stipend
$50,000

Program Benefits and Liability Coverage

  • Professional Liability Coverage
  • Vacation/Personal Time Off: 12 days
  • Seven (7) Paid Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
  • Continuing Education: 5 additional days PTO
  • Travel Allowance

 

Contact Information 

Mollie Hiatt, O.D.
Residency Program Coordinator
Kugler Vision, PC
17838 Burke St. Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68118

Phone Number: (402)558-2211
Fax Number: (402)558-2212
Email: mhiatt@kuglervision.com

 

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