Pediatric Optometry Fellowship

Advanced education and training for qualified optometrist

A pediatric optometrist needs more than advanced clinical skills. In addition to specialized knowledge in eye and vision problems that can affect children, a pediatric optometrist needs a kid-friendly approach and experience putting children and families at ease. The pediatric optometry fellowship at Phoenix Children’s provides advanced clinical education and training, as well as hands-on experience for qualified optometrists who want to work with children.

The fellowship is offered by Phoenix Children’s Ophthalmology Division. The Ophthalmology Division provides comprehensive care and is rapidly growing to include the specialties of pediatric refractive surgery and pediatric ocular oncology. We are active in the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and are academically affiliated with the Arizona College of Optometry and University of Arizona College of Medicine.

About the position

One position is available each year, from July 1 until June 30 the following year. The selected candidate will work 40 hours each week at Phoenix Children’s and across the Phoenix area. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You’ll receive paid time off (PTO), in addition to five days of paid conference leave. You and your dependents are immediately eligible to enroll in the Phoenix Children’s health, dental and vision insurance programs, and costs are shared between you and Phoenix Children’s. You may also participate in our 403(b) Plan, although match dollars are not available during the fellowship. Phoenix Children’s provides professional liability insurance for all our clinics. Annual compensation is $50,000, not contingent on productivity.

Program goals

To ensure you are prepared to provide excellent care and contribute to growing knowledge in your field, our pediatric optometry fellowship aims to:

• Expand knowledge in diagnosing and managing refractive disorders in infants and toddlers.
• Enhance skills in examining pediatric patients.
• Develop knowledge in diagnosing and managing accommodative and binocular vision disorders.
• Increase understanding of ocular motility disorders.
• Expand knowledge of amblyopia, including detection and management, and develop advanced competency in its treatment.
• Provide didactic learning opportunities.
• Instill an appreciation of the importance of scholarly activity.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the pediatric optometry fellowship, you must:

• Earn a degree as a Doctor of Optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education before the fellowship’s start date.
• Have passed the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Part I and have taken Part II by the application deadline. The selected candidate must have passed Part II and be scheduled to sit for Part III.
• Be eligible to be licensed as an optometrist in the state of Arizona.

How to apply

To be considered for this fellowship:

• Apply online through the Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch).
• Submit a letter of intent describing your reasons for pursuing training at Phoenix Children’s, as well as your goals and expectations for the year.
• Provide three letters of recommendation from faculty or practicing optometrists familiar with your clinical or didactic abilities. At least one letter must be from a faculty member. References should submit their letters directly through ORMatch.
• Provide a current curriculum vitae (CV), NBEO board scores and an unofficial optometry school transcript through ORMatch. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to supply an official transcript from your optometry school’s registrar.

Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. Applicant rankings will be determined by residency coordinator and submitted to ORMatch.

To complete the fellowship

To successfully complete the fellowship, you’ll need to:

• Deliver clinical services at a level which is satisfactory to the program supervisor of the pediatric optometry residency at Phoenix Children’s.
• Keep a log of patient evaluations.
• Write a paper based on original research, literature review or a clinical case, or poster for publication in acceptable professional journal, or national optometric meeting. 
• Perform in a professional manner in the delivery of patient care services and observe those proprieties of conduct and courtesies that are consistent with the rules and regulations governing Phoenix Children’s.
• Assist in continuing education programs provided at the department of Ophthalmology at Phoenix Children's. 
• Participate in and complete the requirements set forth in the curriculum. 

To find out more

For more information about Phoenix Children’s pediatric optometry residency program, contact:

Timothy Hug, OD, FAAO
Pediatric Optometry Fellowship Program Coordinator
Phoenix Children's
1919 E. Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
thug@phoenixchildrens.com
602-933-3937