The group launched the scheme with the Department of Vision Sciences at the School of Life and Health Studies, Aston University, where Dr Rob Hogan, Optical Express's professional services director, completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Dr Hogan said: 'Through this venture we are able to provide appropriate students with excellent opportunities to support their undergraduate development.' Dr John Siderov, co-ordinator of the programme and lecturer at Aston University, stated that the scholarship aimed to encourage keen optometry undergraduates to consider a career in research and academia. 'It is particularly noteworthy as the scholarship aimed to provide development of potential optometry lecturers. It supports the long-term future of the profession,' Dr Siderov said. The 1998 scholarship was awarded to Ms Chiu, for a project, 'Contour interaction with symbol charts'. The aim was to create a better understanding of the role of the charts used for testing pre-school children, and to assist in the early detection of amblyopia.