Kansas City VAMC Optometry Residency Program: A Survey of Residents since 1975

Background. The nation's first one‐year, Council on Optometric Education accredited hospital‐based optometry residency program began at the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1975. As part of the 25th anniversary review, past residents were surveyed to determine whether the residency had met their goals and influenced their postresidency activities. This is the first in‐depth study of a single residency program. Methods. A 34‐question survey was developed based on one previously used in a 1987 national study of Veterans Affairs residents. The survey was designed to provide data comparable to that found in other residency surveys. Results. Forty‐eight of 50 former residents responded, and at least one survey was returned for every year from 1975 through 2000. One hundred percent of residents noted that the program met or exceeded expectations in patient diversity, workload, and level of responsibility. Additionally, almost 30% of residents currently or previously held Veterans Affairs staff positions, and they have collectively published 316 papers, 33 textbook chapters, and five textbooks. Conclusions. Judged by these responses, the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center Optometry Residency Program offers an exceptional clinical training program that surpasses resident expectations. Finally, former graduates of the program have made a significant contribution to patient care and to the optometric profession as demonstrated by their clinical, academic, and research accomplishments.