International study grant to advance Australian optometry

Optometry Australia is looking to support one member with a study grant to participate in its 2023 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 applicant will receive an $8,000 scholarship and have the opportunity to travel 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 second 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.

Optometry Australia’s General Manager, Policy Skye Cappuccio, said the international scholarship is a great chance for a forward thinker 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 one of our members to examine how other countries involve optometrists in a patient’s ocular healthcare journey. It may include the recipient visiting private practices, hospitals or community outposts,’ she said.

‘The scholarship offers the chance to investigate international healthcare models, ways of delivering eye care, and the role of optometrists as primary eye care practitioners. It also offers the chance 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 2023 LOOK International scholarship, 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, 30 September 2022.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome in October 2022.