College of Optometrists

Applied Research

Interested in carrying out some practice-based research but not sure where to start?

iPRO, the College of Optometrists’ research support facility, is there to help

Have you ever wondered what pearls of wisdom might be hidden in the mountain of information and data you have built up over your years of optometric practice? Or have you noticed a recent trend in patients presenting themselves for an eye examination, or in their attitudes to optometric care, and would like to understand more? Perhaps you simply want to develop your skills in research in order to help you move your own practice forward and would like some help in getting started.

iPRO (Innovation in Practice-based Research for Optometrists) is a research support facility, wholly funded by the College of Optometrists, designed to provide a range of services to College Members across the UK who may be considering carrying out research. Launched in spring 2007, iPRO is a key element of the College’s research strategy, designed to encourage and support practice-based research carried out by College Members within their community practice.

iPRO will:

• develop the research skills of community optometrists who are interested in practice-based research
• 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
• provide a source of evidence for policy makers

iPRO provides a range of research support services , including:

• practical research advice and mentorship to optometrists
• information on other sources of research advice, support and training resources available to optometrists
• training programmes in research methodology
• a Small Grants Scheme to help fund small scale research projects (including contribution to locum fees)
• a collaborative network for optometrists undertaking or participating in primary care optometry research 
• a conference to encourage the dissemination of optometry research focussing on primary care

Research advice and mentorship

The iPRO team has considerable research support experience and expertise and will be able to provide you with expert advice and assistance at any stage of the research process, from protocol development to dissemination of findings, and including the preparation of applications for a small grants awards. You will be able to access this support on a one-off or ongoing basis by telephone, email or in person.

Research Training

iPRO will organise a series of free courses and workshops across the country, specifically tailored to meet the identified needs of optometrists who are new to carrying out research. Courses will cover a whole range of topics, from how to design a study and applying for grants to getting your work published.

iPRO will also provide information on courses being run by other organisations throughout the country.

Small Grants Scheme

The College of Optometrists funds a Small Grants Scheme 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.

Potential researchers may contact iPRO for advice before making an application. iPRO will maintain regular contact with grant holders to provide ongoing advice, increase the prospect of the project reaching conclusion and encourage the dissemination of findings.

Each grant will be worth a maximum of £10,000 and up to five grants will be allocated each year. More information can be found here.

Optometric Collaborative Research Network

The Optometric Collaborative Research Network will provide College Members with a forum to meet and collaborate with other optometrists undertaking research projects. The Network will hold meetings three times a year to discuss potential research ideas; facilitate contact with other researchers hoping to recruit study participants; provide an opportunity for discussion of early study results. More information can be found here.

Research Symposium

The College’s Research Symposium 2010, in association with the British Universities Committee of Optometry (BUCO), took place at Optometry Tomorrow 2010

The Research Symposium programme included presentations by College research fellows; postgraduate students in vision sciences and ophthalmic optics, iPRO funded members, research skills training workshops and more. More information will be available shortly. 

For more information, click here.

Contact iPRO 

Beverley Hancock
iPRO Research Adviser
iPRO, Innovation in Practice-based Research for Optometrists

Telephone: 020 7766 4346
Email: beverley.hancock@college-optometrists.org