Sheldon Wechsler and George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards

 
2012 Vistakon Residency Awardees with Vistakon's Sheila Hickson-Curran (left)


Purpose

Residency training is becoming an increasingly important aspect of optometric training. A post-OD residency program significantly advances a graduate's preparation as an eye-care provider and provides additional experiences in instruction and scholarship. Many schools and colleges of optometry now require residency training as a basic prerequisite for new clinical faculty.

The Sheldon Wechsler and George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards are intended to promote the practice and development of the field of contact lenses by providing incentive and support to talented optometric residents who demonstrate a passion and commitment to practice, research, and education.

Eligibility

Any optometrist currently (2012-2013) in a contact lens residency through an accredited school or college of optometry may apply. Anyone who has yet to begin a residency or who has already completed their residency is ineligible.

Application Procedure

Deadline for applications is January 25,  2013.

Program Notes

Prior to window open, guidelines for any given program are subject to change by the AOF and/or the award sponsor. Applicants are reminded to please review all information before submitting their application to ensure it meets all criteria.

All award recipients by application and acceptance of an award agree to allow the AOF and/or the sponsor of the program to which they applied to publish their  name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These will appear in a variety of  media formats that will announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AOF and/or sponsor annual report, website, annual meeting promotional materials.

Applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically (preferably as a PDF file) to Tracy Kitts, foundation Coordinator: AOF@aaoptom.org. Please include “Residency Award” and the applicant’s last name in the subject line.  

Applications must include the following:

  1. Cover page that list applicant name, any degrees, facility of residency, optometric institution under which serving residency, current and permanent address information, email and day and evening phone contact information.
  2. The applicant’s education, clinical, research, and teaching experience typically in the form of a CV.
  3. A brief description of the residency program and the names and email addresses of the three people you have contacted to submit letters of recommendation*.
  4. A one-page statement of career goals plus a brief statement indicating if you are student member of the American Academy of Optometry or what is your timeline for becoming a Fellow.
  5. *Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to comment on educational qualifications, research abilities, and potential.  One of which must be the Residency Director or Program Coordinator of the Institution. These should be emailed separately by the recommender.

Review Procedures

Proposals will be reviewed by a peer review committee established by the American Optometric Foundation. The applicants will be evaluated primarily on the basis of their educational background and their ability and potential as teachers, researchers, and practitioners in the field of contact lenses.

Award Level and Payment

The Sheldon Wechsler and George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards are $2,750 each, part of which is in the form of a $750 travel fellowship to attend the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle where each recipient will be presented an award plaque at the annual Celebration Luncheon. Six awards will be granted.

For additional information contact Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, at: 321-710-3936 or AOF@aaoptom.org


The 2012 winners:

Dr. George W. Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards 

Monica Roy, OD, MPH, The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Natalie C. Santelli, OD, Oregon Health & Sciences University/Casey Eye Institute

Dr. Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Awards

Cherie Nau, OD, Davis Duehr Dean Eye Care, Illinois College of Optometry

Yin-Yin Aung, OD, New England College of Optometry