Program Overview
The mission of Vistar Eye Center Optometric Residency is to train qualified optometrists with advanced clinical skills in the treatment and management of ocular disease in a private practice setting. Program participants will attain advanced competencies in clinical management of ocular disease with an emphasis on co-management with surgical subspecialties. Through direct patient care, interprofessional collaboration, and scholarly development, residents will gain the skills and confidence necessary to deliver exceptional eye and vision care across a diverse patient population.
Vistar Eye Center provides primary and sub-specialty care to the citizens of Southwest Virginia, with offices in Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt, Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Wytheville and Martinsville. Subspecialty care is offered in the areas of retina, glaucoma, pediatrics, oculoplastics, cornea, refractive surgery, cataract surgery, specialty contact lens, and low vision.
- Application deadline: January 31st
- Match: First week of March
- Duration of Residency: 12 Months
- Accreditation Status: First Year Program – Seeking Accreditation
Application Materials and Procedures:
Applications must include the following in order to be considered complete:
- Completed application online through the OR Match website.
- Cover letter briefly stating interest in residency, clinical experience, and goals for the residency year.
- 3 letters of recommendation from clinical professionals with whom the candidate is familiar and can accurately assess and comment on the resident’s level of commitment and competency.
- Copy of NBEO scores.
- Copy of college and optometry school transcripts.
- Qualified candidates who complete an application will be invited for an interview in February. On-site interview preferred, but virtual interviews will be considered.
Selection Procedure and Admission Criteria:
The residency will follow the policies and process of the OR Match System.
The candidate must:
- Attain a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council of Optometric Education.
- Pass all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam before the residency program completion date. Residents who do not have a state license at the start of the program due to failure to pass any or all parts of NBEO, must pass all parts of NBEO to obtain licensure before they complete the program. Failure to do so will result in the resident not receiving a completion certificate at the end of the residency program.
- Obtain a license to practice Optometry in the state of Virginia by the end of the residency program.
Completion Requirements
To receive a Certificate of Residency Completion, the resident must:
- Demonstrate competence in all core clinical and professional areas
- Attend at least 90% of scheduled clinics and didactic activities
- Complete a scholarly project or presentation
- Submit all required documentation and evaluations
- Receive satisfactory final evaluations from supervising faculty
Additional Details
- Ready to apply? Interested candidates can apply here.