Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Optometry 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 Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Optometry Residency Award is intended to promote the practice and development of the field of Pediatric Optometry by providing incentive and support to talented optometric residents who demonstrate a passion and commitment to practice, research, and education in the field of children's vision. A goal of this award is to invest in the evolution of the field of pediatric optometry, particularly but not limited to the application of soft contact lenses for children's vision disorders, by providing opportunities for future practitioners, educators, and researchers.

Eligibility

Any optometrist currently (2012-2013) in a pediatric/vision therapy 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 AOF@aaoptom.org. Please include “Residency Award” and the applicant’s last name in the subject line. Applications require the following:

  1. Cover page that list applicant name, any degrees, facility of residency, accredited optometric institution under which serving residency, current and permanent address information, email and daytime 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 pediatric optometry. A preference will be given to applicants with an interest in the utilization of soft contact lenses in pediatric populations.

Award Level and Payment

The Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Optometry Residency Award is $2,750, part of which is in the form of a $750 travel fellowship to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in October 2013 in Seattle where each recipient will be presented an award plaque at the annual Celebration Luncheon. Three awards will be granted this cycle.

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

The 2012 recipients:

Elizabeth A. Knighton, OD, University of Houston College of Optometry

Lernik Mesropian, OD, Southern California College of Optometry