Optometric Fellowships

Fellowships at ASCO Institutions and the Veterans Administration (in alphabetical order)

Alabama

Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
Name of Fellowship: Postdoctoral Scholar in Ocular Surface Disease
Location: Department of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Length of Fellowship: One year with option for two years
Description: As a postdoctoral scholar (fellow), you will be engaged in clinical and research activities that will include, but may not be limited to the following areas: cornea/contact lenses/anterior segment/dry eye/and/or meibomian gland dysfunction. The scholar/fellow should have demonstrated ability to work with patients in a clinical or research setting and have a clinical optometric degree (non-US degrees negotiable). Duties include: assist with, plan, and execute clinical research including investigator initiated and sponsored research in dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, allergy, and infection in the Ocular Surface Institute of the Clinical Eye Research Facility at UAB. May also include study related management activities, including recruitment, protocol development, regulatory documentation creation and management, development of reports and analyses, interactions with sponsors, and presentation of findings.

Compensation: $47,500

Websites: https://www.uab.edu/optometry/home/research/clinical-eye-research-facility and
https://www.uab.edu/postdocs/post-doc-openings/postdocs-in-joint-health-sciences/436-i181401

Contacts:
Kelly K. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD
nicholsk@uab.edu

Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD
jjn@uab.edu

Ohio

Institution: The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Name of Fellowship: Advanced Practice Fellowship
Location: The Ohio State University College of Optometry in Columbus, OH
Length of Fellowship: Two years
Description: Four specialty areas – Binocular Vision and Pediatrics, Contact Lens, Low Vision Rehabilitation and Community Eye Care. The first summer includes direct patient care; the graduate program begins autumn semester of the first year, culminating in a Master’s of Science degree; half of your time is spent teaching in clinics and optometry laboratories.

Compensation: $43,000 per year

Website: https://optometry.osu.edu/graduate-program-master-science

Contact:
Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD
Associate Dean for Research
walline.1@osu.edu

Texas

Institution: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
Name of Fellowship: Optometric Medicine and Surgery
Location: Comprised of two primary practice locations – Golden Eye Associates in Carthage, TX and Desoto Regional Eye Institute in Logansport, LA (both of these locations are located in rural towns where access to care is limited and expanded scope of optometry is practiced).
Length of Fellowship: 53 weeks
Description: The optometrists at the practice are on medical staff at The University of Texas Health Center. This fellowship provides extensive exposure to anterior segment disease, such as corneal dystrophies and degenerations, foreign body removal, and trauma such as abrasions and chemical burns. Posterior segment exposure is present and includes glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, amongst other pathology. In addition, there is a variety of cases involving cataract post-operative care, pediatrics and specialty contact lenses. There is exposure to neurology cases, such as diplopia, muscle and nerve palsies, and pupillary abnormalities. The recently launched Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy program is scheduled 2-3 times a month. The fellow will be performing, teaching, and coordinating IPL sessions and utilizing meibography to guide a comprehensive dry eye therapy plan.

Compensation: $50,000

Website: https://optometry.uiw.edu/_docs/desoto_surgery_fellowship.pdf

Contact:
Kyle A. Sandberg, OD, FAAO
Fellowship Program Coordinator
Chief, Refractive Surgery and Laser Services
University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
ksandber@uiwtx.edu

 

Institution: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
Name of Fellowship: Fellowship in Sports Vision
Location: University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry and Battlefield Airmen’s Training Group at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas
Length of Fellowship: 53 weeks
Description: This fellowship program is designed to provide extensive hands‐on training in identifying specific binocular visual demands required by persons performing complex tasks and developing vision training programs to enhance visual performance. The fellowship is based at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry for the first six months and at Lackland Air Force Base for the final six months. The fellowship is a full‐time, formal, supervised program consisting of direct patient care, didactic education, and precepting of interns. This program is only available to Air Force optometrists.

Compensation: Consistent with rank or appointment

Contacts:
Christopher Putnam, OD, PhD, FAAO
University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
christopher.putnam@us.af.mil

Allison Cronin, OD, FAAO
Sports Vision Fellowship Program Coordinator
University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
achinn@uiwtx.edu

 

Veterans Administration Advanced Fellowships

The purpose of the post-residency VA Advanced Fellowship Programs is to ensure the continuation and future development of select VA health care professionals, including optometrists, to aid in the growth of exceptional clinical and/or research capabilities in emerging health professions and services of particular importance to VA and the nation.

These one-year clinical and/or two-year combination research and clinical post-residency VA Advanced Fellowships Programs offer expertise in Advanced Geriatrics, Health Services Research & Development, Health Systems Engineering, Medical Informatics, Optometric Research, Patient Safety, and Polytrauma/Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation. These abovementioned specialty areas are available to outstanding optometrists who have successfully completed Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) accredited residency programs.

VA Advanced Fellowship Programs provide outstanding opportunities for post-residency research, education, and clinical training in these emerging professional disciplines. Through creative partnerships, use of new technology, and innovative educational modalities, these fellowship programs promote and foster the highest standards of leadership, intellectual integrity, research, and patient care.

For more information on the optometric fellowships:  https://www.va.gov/OPTOMETRY/Education_and_Training.asp