Residency Program

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) is an organization, not an actual physical location that through the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ABVO) has established certifying criteria for ophthalmologists. After a person graduates from college (four years) and then veterinary school (four years), they usually complete a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery. The person then serves a three-year residency in ophthalmology under the teachings and guidance of faculty ophthalmologists. Once the residency is successfully completed and their credentials are accepted by the ABVO exam committee, the applicant is allowed to take the examination. The exam is a multi-day process consisting of multiple written and practical components. Finally, after passing all of the above criteria, the veterinarian is recognized as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists or in short, is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology.

The mission of the residency training program at the Eye Care for Animals is to train and equip individuals in the contemporary diagnostics, medical and surgical aspects of veterinary ophthalmology as it pertains to all domestic animal species and exotics in compliance with the guidelines established by the ABVO . Upon successful completion of the residency program, the resident will have submitted necessary materials for approval by the credentials committee of the ABVO which are required for eligibility to sit for the ABVO examinations. The program is outlined in six-month rotating cycles within a three year period. The resident is expected to achieve certain goals during each of the six-month periods. Eye Care for Animals has residents in a three-year rotational program and is continually seeking new residents.

Applications:

PDF application for new residents can be downloaded here. Please note: Applications are due November 13, 2023.

Eye Care for Animals is accepting applications from qualified individuals for a 3-year residency position in comparative ophthalmology. Each year we carefully select a handful of candidates, wishing to specialize in veterinary ophthalmology, to join our residency program. These candidates must possess a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and enthusiastic about providing exceptional veterinary care and service.

Please note that in addition to the application form, official transcripts, Curriculum Vitae, and personal statement, five letters of recommendation are required. Three of these letters of recommendation must be from veterinarians. Two must be from non-veterinarians that can recommend the applicant based on professional skills relevant to the successful completion of a veterinary ophthalmology residency. Examples of non-veterinarian references include previous research collaborator or mentor, non-veterinary faculty mentor, veterinary technician or hospital manager, former or current client, previous employer or volunteer supervisor in an area with overlapping skill sets for veterinary research and/or clinical practice.

Applicants are required to be a graduates of a college of veterinary medicine and to have completed at least 12 months full time clinical practice in a general rotating internship (or equivalent experience). The candidate(s) selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States.

Patient Responsibility:

Resident patient responsibility is in association with the primary mentor on clinical duty. The resident is required to perform all physical examinations on hospitalized patients and assist the primary ophthalmologist in ophthalmic examinations.

Emergency Service:

The residents will provide emergency services on a rotational basis after hours. An emergency schedule will be established with division of holidays over the three year period.

System Topic Rounds:

The ophthalmology service conducts three types of rounds in which residents participate. Clinical rounds regarding the clinical patients are held at varied times throughout the week with a review of active patients. Journal Club rounds are held once a month, with one of the residents responsible for bringing articles for discussion. The articles reviewed should pertain to veterinary ophthalmology and to the subject matter of the didactic schedule. Histopathology rounds are held once monthly. The resident is assisted by the mentor and will be responsible for presenting interesting histological slides that pertain to the subject matter of the didactic schedule.

Residency Schedule

As members of the residency program with the Eye Care for Animals, veterinarians will be guided through a detailed schedule of training.

Resident Reviews:

The residents are reviewed every six months to assess their progression through the program. This is also an opportunity for the resident to provide input into the program and assess specific goals in training during the six month period.

Traveling/Continuing Education:

Funds are made available for residents to travel to approved training courses. These include the annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Other continuing courses that are relevant, including short courses on ocular histology, phacoemulsification, and other surgical courses will be attended on an availability basis. In addition, the resident is expected to attend a one-month didactic course offered by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists during their first or second year of training. Attending CE meetings will be credited against professional improvement time outlined by the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology in the residency training.

Resident Project:

The resident is expected to conduct a clinical research project. Funding for this project is available through the residency training fund. It is expected a publication will be the end result of such project.

Professional Development Time:

The American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ABVO) Committee on residency training recommends that 15% of a resident’s time be devoted to professional improvement. This will be allocated weekly during the three-year training period. The other days will be devoted to clinical training. It is expected the bulk of the professional improvement time will be utilized in preparation for the credentials and board examinations for the American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology. The time taken to attend continuing education programs including the didactic course are considered part of the resident’s professional development time.

Vacation:

There are two weeks of vacation time accrued annually and may be taken during the year of training. A system of advanced notification vacation time has been established. Residents are responsible for covering any emergency duty they have with the other residents or staff ophthalmologists.