College to issue research grants

The College of Optometrists has announced the fourth round of small grant awards to take place as part of its Innovation in Practice-based Research for Optometrists (iPRO) scheme.

With a deadline for applications of July 31, the scheme is designed to help support small-scale research studies. Funding is available to cover the material costs of undertaking a project, including the employment of a locum to provide cover in the researcher's absence.

Applicants for the small grant awards must be members of the College and should aim to compete their projects within one year of a grant being awarded. Recipients of the grant are also obliged to submit a report of their research within three months of completion of the project. Each grant is worth a maximum of £10,000 and up to five grants are allocated each year.