Optometric Refractive Surgery Training
Optometric Residency
OD Program
A one-year, high-performance clinical training pathway preparing future optometrists to deliver premium refractive, cataract, and patient-experience care across Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Program Overview
Training the Next Generation of Refractive ODs
Staff First
Built around Juliette's operating principle: staff first, so patients come first.
Premium Refractive Focus
LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, RLE, premium cataract, diagnostics, postop care, and conversion support.
Leadership Track
Clinical excellence paired with communication, service recovery, patient education, and executive leadership habits.
Purpose
The Juliette OD Program is a structured one-year development pathway for optometry graduates awaiting full licensure or early-career optometrists seeking advanced training in refractive and premium lens-based surgery.
Trainees support supervised preoperative, postoperative, diagnostic, and patient-education workflows while developing the judgment, communication, and leadership skills needed for modern refractive practice.
Program Goals
Build confident refractive and cataract clinical judgment.
Create consistency in postop care for LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, RLE, and premium cataract patients.
Develop diagnostic interpretation skills using Pentacam, OCT, biometry, topography, dry eye testing, and visual function metrics.
Support conversion through clear, ethical, patient-centered education.
Prepare trainees for future OD leadership roles in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and possible future Juliette locations.
"Staff first, so patients come first."
12-Month Curriculum
Monthly Objectives
Month 1
Orientation + Patient Journey
Juliette values, EMR workflow, scripting, diagnostic flow, surgical observation, postop basics, safety culture.
Month 2
Diagnostics Foundation
Pentacam, refraction standards, dry eye screening, OCT RNFL/mac, IOLMaster/Argos basics, topography red flags.
Month 3
Postoperative Care
LASIK/SMILE/PRK postop visits, cataract day-one/week-one/month-one care, inflammation, IOP, enhancement flags.
Month 4
Premium Cataract/RLE
Lens education, visual goals, dysphotopsia counseling, monovision, multifocal/EDOF expectations, LAL basics.
Month 5
Refractive Surgery Workups
LASIK, SMILE, PRK, EVO ICL, RLE candidacy; corneal thickness, tomography, posterior float, vault concepts.
Month 6
Dry Eye + Ocular Surface
Preop surface optimization, MGD, tear film, punctal plugs, medication protocols, postop surface troubleshooting.
Month 7
OD Referral Engine
Co-management protocols, Journey to Clarity newsletter support, referral updates, clinical communication.
Month 8
Conversion + Education
Clear recommendations, patient objections, premium options, ethical education, service recovery, NPS behaviors.
Month 9
Glaucoma + MIGS Exposure
IOP, OCT RNFL, HVF 24-2, gonioscopy concepts, DSLT, MIGS observation, postoperative IOP management.
Month 10
Santa Fe Clinic Leadership
Affluent patient expectations, efficient 4-room clinic flow, MD/OD coordination, local referral relationships.
Month 11
Advanced Case Review
Complicated postop cases, residual refractive error, lens exchange awareness, enhancement planning discussions.
Month 12
Capstone + Readiness
Independent-readiness assessment, case presentation, leadership reflection, future OD role planning.
Competency Scorecard
A Practical 1–10 Milestone System
1–3
Observes only; requires full direction.
4–6
Performs with active coaching; inconsistent independence.
7–8
Performs reliably under supervision; recognizes common complications.
9–10
Near-independent performance; teaches others; escalates appropriately.
| Domain | Core Competencies | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics | Refraction, Pentacam/topography, OCT, biometry, dry eye screening, visual acuity protocols | 8+ |
| LASIK / SMILE / PRK | Candidacy, postop care, enhancement flags, ectasia risk awareness, patient education | 8+ |
| EVO ICL | Candidate screening, chamber depth awareness, vault concepts, postop IOP/inflammation monitoring | 7+ |
| RLE / Premium Cataract | IOL education, postop troubleshooting, dysphotopsia counseling, residual refractive error workflow | 8+ |
| Ocular Surface | Dry eye staging, MGD, treatment protocols, punctal plugs, preop optimization | 8+ |
| Patient Experience | Communication, handoffs, expectation-setting, service recovery, premium hospitality | 9+ |
| Leadership | Team communication, feedback, accountability, ownership, referral relationships | 8+ |
Capstone Requirements
Program Completion Standards
Present three refractive or premium cataract cases with clinical reasoning.
Complete monthly competency review with supervising physician or clinical leader.
Demonstrate consistent premium patient-education scripting.
Show readiness for expanded OD responsibilities after licensure.
Ready to Train at Juliette Eye Institute?
July 1, 2026 cohort start date.