Two international grants to advance Australian optometry

Optometry Australia is looking to support two members with study grants to participate in its 2024 Looking Outward on Optometric Knowledge (LOOK) International program.

The LOOK International program seeks to evolve Australian optometric scope of practice by funding study tours abroad that investigate advancements in optometry that are not yet available, or readily available, in Australia.

The successful applicants will receive $8,000 each to support them in travelling internationally to explore alternative optometric models of care that enable optometrists to perform advanced roles and subsequently reduce the pressure on the tertiary eye care system. Funds will also support members to translate their investigations to the Australian context and apply learnings locally.

This is the third year Optometry Australia has run its LOOK scholarship program. The inaugural recipients of the LOOK scholarships (international and local) were Nicola Mountford and Dr Shelley Hopkins, and the learnings from the tours undertaken by the recipients (Jacqueline Warren, Bhaj Grewal Deborah Hackett) of the 2022-2023 round of scholarships will be published in the coming months.

Optometry Australia CEO Skye Cappuccio said the international scholarships will allow forward thinkers to investigate optometry on a global scale, and see how it is integrated into the healthcare system to further benefit patients and the community.

‘This is a fantastic learning opportunity for members to examine how other countries involve optometrists in a patient’s ocular healthcare journey. It may include the recipients visiting private practices, hospitals or community outposts,’ she said.

‘Members can investigate international 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 Australia to share with colleagues and our wider membership, and explore potential benefits of their applicability in the Australian context.’

How to apply

To apply for the 2024 LOOK International program, please complete a written application responding to the criteria set in the terms and conditions and email it to policy@optometry.org.au by Friday, 29 September 2023.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome in October 2023.