Providing advanced training and experience in the treatment of ocular disease through patient care, clinical research, education and scholarship in an integrated eye care model.

PROGRAM SITE: Empire Eye and Laser Center, Bakersfield, California.

RESIDENCY DIRECTOR AND COORDINATOR: Vin T. Dang, O.D., F.A.A.O.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1

PROGRAM DATES: The program begins in August 1st of each year and runs for 52 weeks. An orientation is provided in the first week of the program.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This post-graduate residency program is offered by the Southern California College of Optometry in conjunction with Empire Eye and Laser Center (EELC) in California. The goal of this program is to provide advanced clinical training in the treatment of ocular disease, clinical research, surgical co-management and perioperative care, as well as comprehensive care to patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric. Empire Eye and Laser Center’s integrated eye care model will allow the intern to work in conjunction with both optometrists and ophthalmologists in a high paced private clinic that encounters the entire spectrum of ocular pathologies. This organization includes a broad range of sub-specialized eye care providers such as pediatric, glaucoma, dry eye, cornea and anterior segment, therapeutic contact lens, as well as refractive laser and cataract specialists. This structure allows us to care for our patient’s “see better and look better”.

There will be after hours on-call time and two clinical projects required over the course of the year. Involvement in clinical research projects or studies will also be required. Residents are invited to lecture and present case reports at resident seminars held in conjunction with the Southern California College of Optometry as well as local and national optometric conferences.

ABOUT EMPIRE EYE AND LASER CENTER

The resident will participate in and attend all continuing education events sponsored by Empire Eye and Laser Center as well as attending state and national optometric events. The resident has full access to any of the material or services provided at the College. This includes the library and media production department. The residents may participate in these studies throughout the program year and will prepare a research project/paper/poster of publishable quality. They will also be asked to participate in case studies and journal reviews as assigned by Empire Eye and Laser Center some of which will be in conjunction with the American Academy of Optometry.

Empire Eye and Laser Center utilizes cutting edge technologies including anterior and posterior IOL Master, iDesign, Topographer, OCT, digital photography, automated visual field, and specular microscopy. Our dry eye clinic employs advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies such as Lipscan/Lipifow, and TearCare devices and is an area of focus regarding clinical research. Additionally, EELC employs IPL and Blefex. The surgical center is also on the forefront of technology and employs Intralase and excimer refractive lasers, as well as modern cataract technologies including toric, multifocal, and EDOF IOL’s and is an area of focus regarding clinical research.

Empire Eye and Laser Center exists to provide high quality, extensive eye care to the Kern County area and to patients of all ages through a multi-specialty, integrated care approach. We treat each patient with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion and strive to continuously understand their needs and exceed their expectations of quality eye care. We are recognized by patients, primary care physicians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and patients as a leading group of high integrity eye care professionals.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES/DESIGN

  • This residency in ocular disease is based in an integrated OD/MD model and is a rigorous 52 week educational experience designed to provide advanced clinical training in the examination, diagnosis and management of a broad scope of ocular conditions and diseases.
  • The resident will perform mentored clinical care services to patients with ocular pathologies including, but not limited to, the areas of cornea and anterior segment, vitreous and retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics and pediatrics by utilizing medical management options, and when appropriate, pre-operative assessment and/or post-operative management.
  • The resident will also preform comprehensive care of patients including complete eye exams and contact lens fitting.
  • The resident will participate in after-hours emergency care.
  • The resident will observe surgical techniques including advanced cataract procedures, LASIK and refractive procedures, SLT as well as surgical glaucoma procedures and lid procedures.
  • The resident may participate in the clinical research taking place at Empire Eye and Laser Center.
  • The resident will present at least one poster or paper per quarter.
  • The resident will participate in and present at quarterly journal review meetings.
  • The resident will participate in national optometric meetings and/or the SCCO/MBKU Residents’ Day.
  • The resident will spend a minimum of 40 hours each week at Empire Eye and Laser Center.

RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The resident will participate in and attend all continuing education events sponsored by Empire Eye and Laser Center as well as attending state and national optometric events. The resident has full access to any of the material or services provided at the College. This includes the library and media production department. Empire Eye and Laser Center is a national research center for glaucoma, dry eye, allergy, ocular infection, and ocular inflammation as well as surgical procedures and devices. The residents may participate in these studies throughout the program year and may prepare a project/paper/poster of publishable quality. They will also be asked to participate in case studies and journal reviews as assigned by Empire Eye and Laser Center some of which will be in conjunction with the Resident’s Day at the American Academy of Optometry.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

  • $49,920
  • Health, Dental, Basic Life & AD&D, Supplemental Life, and Flex Paid
  • Leave: PTO/CE: 2 weeks and compensated professional meeting time is granted.
  • Holidays: All Standard holidays as recognized by Empire Eye and Laser Center
  • License & Malpractice Insurance: Paid for the duration of the residency.

Materials and further information

Vin T. Dang, O.D., F.A.A.O.
4105 Empire Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93309
vdang@empireeyeandlaser.com

Amanda Steitz, HR Administrator
3434 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 270
Bakersfield, CA 93301
asteitz@empiremanagegroup.com