Summer Invitational Research Institute

Summer Invitational Research Institute Application

The American Optometric Association's Council on Research and the American Academy of Optometry’s Research Committee announces the 2008 Summer Invitational Research Institute. This will be the eleventh Institute co‑sponsored by the AOA and the AAO. It will take place July 21-25, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio.

These Summer Research Institutes have been very successful in stimulating the submission of research proposals to the National Eye Institute, industry and other funding sources. The success of this program is best exemplified by the survey of past attendees of the Institutes who were asked to attribute their success in obtaining research funding which resulted from attending the Summer Institutes. The result was that more than $58 million dollars in subsequent research funding was attributed to having attended the Summer Research Institutes.

The goal of the 2008 Summer Invitational Research Institute is to produce collaborative clinical research project proposals. The 3 ½ day Institute will consist of morning sessions with lectures from experts in biostatistics and research methodology. In the afternoons, attendees will break out into small groups depending on their interests. There will be facilitators assigned to each work group who have a proven track record in research design and funding for research projects. These facilitators will help shape research interests into research questions and assist in designing a proposal. Attendees are not expected to complete a research proposal but to establish the beginning of a proposal with other interested individuals.

Previous Summer Institutes have resulted in clinical research studies in keratoconus, amblyopia, hyperopia, low vision, bifocals in myopic children, convergence insufficiency therapy, contact lenses, and screening of preschool children to name a few. We expect the 2008 Summer Institute to be the best ever.

Applicants who have no clinical research skills, as well as those with varying levels of research experience, are eligible for the workshop. Application to attend this workshop is open to all optometrists. The deadline for receipt of the application form, CV and letter of recommendation is July 16, 2007.

As part of the application form, you are asked to submit your own idea of a research topic. Based on the topics submitted, the Planning Committee will select the appropriate faculty. The applications will be reviewed by the Committee and you will be notified of the results. If selected to attend, you will be asked to meet for a two-hour introductory session during the Academy meeting in San Diego in October 2007.

The American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry will pay for your registration fee and most meals for the 2008 Institute. All other expenses are your responsibility, or your institution can sponsor you.

Mail the application form to 2008 Summer Invitational Research Institute, c/o American Optometric Association, 1505 Prince Street, Suite #300, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information call John Whitener, OD, at (800) 365-2219 x4284 or Email him at JCWhitener-OD@aoa.org.