iPRO - Innovation in Practice Based Research for Optometrists

From Beverley Hancock 

Have you ever wondered what pearls of wisdom might be hidden in the mountain of information and data you have built up over your years of optometric practice? Or have you noticed a recent trend in patients presenting themselves for an eye examination, or in their attitudes to optometric care, and would like to understand more? Perhaps you simply want to develop your skills in research in order to help you move your own practice forward and would like some help in getting started?

iPRO – Innovation in Practice-based Research for Optometrists – is wholly funded by the College of Optometrists and delivered by the University of Birmingham, and has been designed to provide a range of services to College Members across the UK who may be considering carrying out research.

The Small Grants Scheme provides funding to enable College Members to develop research expertise by undertaking small-scale research projects with help and support from experienced researchers.

The following are just a few examples of the sorts of topics that may be eligible for a small grant:

• Evaluation of any difference found in subjective refraction when using a refractor head compared with a trial frame
• The impact of media images on children’s attitudes towards wearing spectacles
• Factors associated with the decision to seek an eye examination
• Evaluation of the difference in interpretation of the appearance of the fundus and/or disc appearance between direct ophthalmoscopy and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy
• Measuring the effectiveness of various interventions in the routine eye examination

Small Grants cover the material costs of a research project and may include paying for locum cover.

Each grant will be worth a maximum of £10,000 and up to five grants will be allocated each year. The application deadline in 2007 will be 30 September.

For more information please contact:

Beverley Hancock
iPRO Manager, Dept of Primary Care & General Practice, University of Birmingham, Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT.  Telephone: 0121 414 7113

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