OV/SA announces new LOOK Local Scholarship

A new OV/SA Looking Outward on Optometric Knowledge (LOOK) Local Scholarship has been established to facilitate Australian-based study tours for an OV/SA financial member. The Scholarship is intended to directly improve eye health of local communities throughout Victoria and South Australia.

The successful applicant will receive $1,500 to investigate innovative advancements in the practice of optometry (including in clinical practice, patient management, eye health and disease diagnosis, or technology) which could be readily implemented in the applicant’s local area. These optometric advancements will not yet be widely or readily available in the applicant’s community.

Optometry Australia’s Director of Optometry Advancement, Sarah Davies said the scholarship will allow forward thinkers to investigate Australian models of care that fully utilise optometry’s skillset and observe how optometry is integrated into the healthcare system to benefit patients and the community.

‘This is a fantastic learning opportunity to examine how other Australian regions involve optometrists in a patient’s eyecare journey. It may include the recipient visiting private practices, hospitals or community outposts’ she said.

‘Members can investigate innovative healthcare models, ways of delivering eye care, and the role of optometrists as primary eye care practitioners. It also offers the chance for members to explore systems that take maximum advantage of the skill set of optometrists to support patient access, system efficiency and quality health care.

‘The key intent is to bring these learnings back to the recipient’s community to share with colleagues and our wider membership.’

How to apply for the 2024 OV/SA LOOK Local Scholarship

Please review the rubric which will be used to assess applications, then:

• Complete a written application responding to the criteria set in the terms and conditions 
• Complete the application spreadsheet detailing proposed itinerary and costs.

Email applications to Sarah Davies at policy@optometry.org.au by Sunday 9 June 2024.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel, and applicants will be advised of the outcome in July 2024.