Optometrists from across the globe have united on a newPhD programme which has been originated by Cardiff University School of Optometry and a fellow optical school in Philadelphia. The PhD is expected to lead to further international developments in optometry and has been established through the Centre for International Studies. The Vision Sciences & Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) has joined with Cardiff in a programme of primarily clinically based research. Professor Mike Boulton, Cardiff's head of school of optometry and vision sciences, said: 'This exciting and innovative partnership will deliver a PhD programme to enhance the level of optometry education worldwide, and raise the profile of both academic institutions. 'The programme is one of the many new initiatives to be developed as part of the collaboration between the two institutions.' Nine candidates Ð three Swiss, two Austrians and one each from Germany, Norway, Israel and the US Ð have enrolled at Cardiff University for their induction and will return to their respective laboratories to carry out their research. Professor Abraham Gonen, PCO's director of international education, said: 'The prospects of a PhD programme delivered jointly by two reputable academic institutions from the US and the UK to candidates all over the world is not only exciting and challenging, but will contribute to the globalisation of optometry on the highest level.' Melissa Trego will be the first US student to enrol in the new joint PhD programme, pursuing a doctorate in cellular and molecular biology of the visual system and will study the role of crystalline proteins within the retina as protective 'chaperone molecules' against the effects of oxidative insult and ageing. 'It is a phenomenal programme,' said Trego. 'I had been interested in pursuing a PhD, and in the Cardiff programme I will be able to combine both research and clinical study.' She has worked in Alaska and South Dakota during her fourth year at PCO, and in April she performed eye screenings in Nepal.