Annual Match Day Brings Anticipation, Nervousness

It was Match Day – when Doctor of Optometry graduate students find out where they’ve been matched for their yearlong residencies – and Daniel Hoffman ‘24OD had settled into his lunch break with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was the day he would find out where he was matched for his residency program.

Heart racing, he checked his email and a surge of excitement rushed over him. There it was, an email confirming that Hoffman would be a low-vision resident in the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center housed at The Eye Institute (TEI) of Salus University for 2024-2025.

“Years of hard work, countless hours of studying, and sleepless nights had led to this moment. For the rest of the day, I floated on cloud nine, the weight of uncertainty lifted off my shoulders,” said Hoffman.

For Adi Golan ‘24OD, the experience was a little different. While researching the application process for a residency at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Miami, she overheard Chad Killen, OD ‘19, Resident ‘20, FAAO, director of On-Campus Residency Programs at the University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) , discussing TEI’s need for an ocular disease resident. She then decided to approach Dr. Killen about the specifics and to see if she would be a good candidate for a TEI residency. And, she was encouraged by what she heard.

“Since everything seemed to be aligned so well, we set up a Zoom interview where all the expectations and dynamics were laid out for me. I was offered the residency position and I eagerly and happily accepted,” said Golan.

TEI had become one of her favorite rotations during her externships. She enjoyed the opportunity to work autonomously but appreciated the support from PCO/Salus faculty members who could answer her questions. “I believe that I will be working with a team of dedicated, knowledgeable doctors who are invested in furthering my education,” said Yarhi. “I know from this externship rotation that I will be in a positive, productive environment that will allow me to grow both clinically and professionally.”

Hoffman is confident his low-vision residency will offer the opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally, and will equip him with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide exceptional patient care. “The future of low vision is crucial for those who suffer, and I am eager to contribute positively to this profession,” he said. “Being part of this program will not only enhance my skills but also foster valuable connections and opportunities for me in the future.” 

Here are the eight residents for 2024-2025:

• Brian George (Primary Care/Ocular Disease) – Chicago College of Optometry (CCO).
• Samantha Round (Primary Care/Ocular Disease) – Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.
• Adi Golan (Primary Care/Ocular Disease) – Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
• Lana Toameh (Pediatrics/Vision Therapy) – University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.
• Jessica Kaplan (Pediatrics/Vision Therapy) – Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry.
• Daniel Hoffman (Low Vision Rehabilitation) – Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
• Heidi Hernandez  (Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease/second year) – University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry.
• Dhruvi Patel (Neuro-Ophthalmic Disease/first year) - Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.
• Jenny Dang ‘24OD (Contact Lens/Cornea) – Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

“We are so excited for the PCO Residency Class of 2024-2025. They are filled with brilliant soon-to-be graduates from a variety of optometry schools,” said Dr. Killen. “One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing how the group comes together to learn from each other's experiences and evolves into a gifted group of clinicians.”