News

The College of Optometrists has launched the support strategy iPRO (Innovation in Practice Based Research) to encourage and support practice-based research by members within their community practice.

iPRO is funded entirely by the College and delivered by the University of Birmingham to expand the network of practitioners undertaking practice-based research, encourage the dissemination of research findings, raise the profile of practice-based research across the profession and provide a source of evidence for policy makers.

The range of support services iPRO provides includes practical research advice and mentorship to optometrists, information sources of research advice, training programmes in research methodology, a small grants scheme and a collaborative network for optometrists undertaking primary care optometry research.

College president Kevin Lewis said: 'Research is key to the development of the profession. By providing funding for postgraduate research scholarships and summer scholarships the College already makes a significant contribution to the study of and research into optometry. Indeed 50 per cent of College research scholars have gone on to an academic career. We hope that this new initiative will encourage College members who are interested in carrying out some practice-based research but are not sure where to start to get involved.'

To find out more contact Beverley Hancock on: 0121 414 7113.

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