Optometry Residency

Ocular Disease and Primary Eye Care Optometry Residency

Program Overview

This program is part of the Ophthalmology department at the University of Rochester located in a hospital setting in an inner city with satellite locations in suburban and rural areas. This will allow residents to work with different populations and a broad range of ocular conditions. There will be diverse and challenging patient care experiences in the areas of ocular disease, including but not limited to, retina, glaucoma, cornea, neuro-ophthalmology as well as primary care. This unique setting provides both surgical and medical co-management opportunities. In addition, the residents will have extended rotations in LASIK co-management, low vision, pediatrics and medical contact lens, providing a good foundation in each of these areas, as well as opportunities to coordinate this exposure with individual resident interest.  Residents will be providing primary eye exams that often include the ordering and interpreting of tests such as, optical coherence tomography, visual fields, corneal topography, anterior and posterior segment photography.

Program Curriculum

Educational Opportunities

1 to 2 half days a week of educational opportunities will be provided. Educational lectures will consist of lectures provided by ophthalmologists, optometrists, monthly journal clubs, monthly grand rounds and educational programs through our SUNY affiliate. 

SUNY “Friday Programs” are a mix of remote learning and in person events. It is expected that the Resident will travel to New York City for the mandatory in person events.

Clinical Training

• Medical contact lens
• Low vision
• Pediatric eye care
• LASIK Co-management
• Ordering and interpretation of optical coherence tomography, visual fields, corneal topography, anterior and posterior segment photography as well as training in a variety advanced diagnostic modalities
• Opportunity to explore specialized care in areas such as oculoplastics, ocular genetics, uveitis and ocular oncology

Residents will practice at the following locations:
Strong Memorial Hospital (main campus)
Geneva
Webster
Meridian Centre

Research and Scholarly Responsibilities

• Residents will be required to present a minor (20 minute), a major (50 minute equivalent 1 hour COPE approved lecture) through our SUNY association and a publishable quality paper.
• Residents will be expected to present at least one case report at URMC ophthalmology grand rounds. The resident will be expected to submit a poster application for a nationally recognized conference.
• Participation in a monthly to bi-weekly journal review

Teaching Responsibilities

Residents will be responsible for working with medical students in routine eye care settings. Participating in refraction training for ophthalmology students.

Applications

Applications can be made through the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Match

Faculty

Brooke Donaher, OD, FAAO
Residency Supervisor
Phone: (585) 276-6104
Email: Brooke_Donaher@urmc.rochester.edu

Jessica daSilva, OD
Residency Supervisor
Phone: (585) 276-6104
​Email: jessica_dasilva@urmc.rochester.edu

Kenneth R. Dickerson, OD 
Anthony Dell'Anno, OD
Michael DePaolis, OD
Therese Farugia, OD
Blain Germain, OD
Jennifer Krech, OD
Robert Ryan, OD
Melanie Shearer, OD