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6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 506 • Rockville, MD 20852, USA • Tel (301) 984-4734 • Fax (301) 984-4737 • 
Sheldon Wechsler and George Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards
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 (2011-2012) in a contact lens residency at 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 20, 2012. Applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically (preferably as a PDF file) to Tracy Kitts, foundation Coordinator: . Please include “Residency Award” and the applicant’s last name in the subject line.
Applications must include the following:
- Cover page that list applicant name, any degrees, insitution where serving residency, current and permanent address information, email and phone contact information.
- The applicant’s education, clinical, research, and teaching experience typically in the form of a CV.
- A brief description of the residency program and the names and email addresses of the three people who are submitting letters of recommendation.
- A one-page statement of career goals.
- 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 $4,000 each, part of which is in the form of a $750 travel fellowship to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Phoenix where each recipient will be presented an award plaque at the annual Celebration Luncheon. Four awards will be granted.
For additional information contact Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, at: (301) 984-4734 or
The 2010-2011 winners:
Dr. Sheldon Wechsler Contact Lens Residency Awards
Christen Kenrick, O.D. - New England College of Optometry
Lindsay A. Sicks, O.D. - Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
Dr. George W. Mertz Contact Lens Residency Awards
Michael Rebarchik, O.D. - Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
Steven J. Warne, O.D. - University of Alabama at Bloomington School of Optometry
an affiliate of the American Academy of Optometry
www.ezell.org
