The long-term objectives of the proposed short-term training program are: 1) to inspire commitment to research careers in vision science among optometry students, including women and underrepresented minorities, and 2) to foster a better understanding of vision research.
The specific aim i s to increase the number of clinician scientists who can do basic and translational investigative work on vision disorders through early exposure to research. The program has operated successfully since 1985. 294 optometry students have trained, including 171 women, 33 students from 8 other optometry schools. There were 21 trainees from underrepresented minority groups in the past five years. The program provides opportunities for academically qualified and interested students to spend 3 months learning to formulate testable vision- research questions and to develop research skills by doing a research project mentored by 1 of 23 experienced vision scientists. The mentors'research programs fall into the following broad areas: 1) visual development, plasticity, repair and aging;2) visual optics and refractive error, 3) ocular surface 3) oculomotor systems;4) structure and function in normal and diseased eyes and visual pathways;5) visual cell and molecular biology 6) clinical optometry;7) spatial vision, 8) binocular vision. 17 optometry students will be recruited during each of the next 5 years for NEI fellowships, another 2-3 supported by local funds for the program. Selection will be based on scholarship, particularly in sciences, as well as on research interest, potential, and experience, with special consideration given to underrepresented minorities. Trainees will be 1st - or 2nd -yr optometry students. In addition to research, trainees will take: 1) a 2-hr course on research ethics, design, and methodology 2) a 1-hr weekly seminar given by local and visiting vision scientists, and 3) for credit or audit, any UH graduate course in physiological optics. Trainees will have access to first-rate facilities and resources: 14,000 sq ft of well-equipped basic and clinical/translational research space, a full scope of technical services (bio-imaging, research computer programming, instrumentation, biostatistics), animal quarters, and a well stocked vision science library with full electronic access - all in a modern 140,000 sq ft building, soon to be expanded, on a major university campus.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed short term training program for optometry students will improve visual health by increasing the number of clinician scientists doing basic and translational research on vision disorders. The program encourages participation by underrepresented minorities in vision care and science.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
NRSA Short -Term Research Training (T35)
Project #
5T35EY007088-29
Application #
8662275
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZEY1-VSN (01))
Program Officer
Agarwal, Neeraj
Project Start
1984-09-28
Project End
2016-03-31
Budget Start
2014-04-01
Budget End
2015-03-31
Support Year
29
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$108,038
Indirect Cost
$8,003
Name
University of Houston
Department
Type
Schools of Optometry/Ophthalmol
DUNS #
036837920
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77204
Abbott, Kaleb S; Queener, Hope M; Ostrin, Lisa A (2018) The ipRGC-Driven Pupil Response with Light Exposure, Refractive Error, and Sleep. Optom Vis Sci 95:323-331
Lentsch, Matthew J; Marsack, Jason D; Anderson, Heather A (2018) Objective measurement of spectacle wear with a temperature sensor data logger. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 38:37-47
Patel, Nimesh; McAllister, Faith; Pardon, Laura et al. (2018) The effects of graded intraocular pressure challenge on the optic nerve head. Exp Eye Res 169:79-90
Burfield, Hannah J; Patel, Nimesh B; Ostrin, Lisa A (2018) Ocular Biometric Diurnal Rhythms in Emmetropic and Myopic Adults. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 59:5176-5187
Ostrin, Lisa A; Sajjadi, Auzita; Benoit, Julia S (2018) Objectively Measured Light Exposure During School and Summer in Children. Optom Vis Sci 95:332-342
McAllister, Faith; Harwerth, Ronald; Patel, Nimesh (2018) Assessing the True Intraocular Pressure in the Non-human Primate. Optom Vis Sci 95:113-119
Huang, Juan; Lentsch, Matthew J; Marsack, Jason D et al. (2018) Evaluating the use of a temperature sensor to monitor spectacle compliance in warm versus cold climates. Clin Exp Optom :
Moore, Kelly E; Benoit, Julia S; Berntsen, David A (2017) Spherical Soft Contact Lens Designs and Peripheral Defocus in Myopic Eyes. Optom Vis Sci 94:370-379
Ostrin, Lisa A; Abbott, Kaleb S; Queener, Hope M (2017) Attenuation of short wavelengths alters sleep and the ipRGC pupil response. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 37:440-450
Nguyen, Mylan T; Berntsen, David A (2017) Aberrometry Repeatability and Agreement with Autorefraction. Optom Vis Sci 94:886-893

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