Research Opportunities for Students

Introductory Information for Undergraduate Students

• Research in labs within Berkeley Optometry is available to all undergraduate students although pre-optometry and pre-med students and those on a Vision Science PhD track are likely to be most interested in the vision and eye research conducted in these labs.
• UC Berkeley undergraduates can participate in URAP (Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program: research.berkeley.edu/urap/). URAP covers research for credit. Also, students staying with the same lab for two consecutive semesters may be nominated for a summer research fellowship by their advisor. Other sources of funding include the Biology Fellows Program (http://bsp.berkeley.edu/bfp.html). Work study positions are also sometimes available; students should check with labs of interest to them.
• Please visit the Vision Science website (vision.berkeley.edu/VSP/) to learn more about different research projects and contact faculty via email to directly inquire about research opportunities in their labs.

Introductory Information for Optometry Students

The National Eye Institute — T35 Summer Research Training Program

• An NEI grant funds summer research training for optometry students who may want research to be part of their career. OD students participate in a 10-week, full-time research program. The current stipend is $5,200 and students are strongly encouraged to present their research at conferences such as the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting.
• Twelve appointments are available each summer. Both Berkeley and non-Berkeley optometry students may apply. First-year students are strongly encouraged to apply; second-year students generally find it more difficult to meet the required time commitment.
• Students must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• For more information, please visit the NEI page at NEI Summer Research.

Students Interested in an OD and a Vision Science PhD

• To promote research among clinicians, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has created a loan forgiveness program for ODs undertaking graduate research, for example, by enrolling in a research degree in Vision Science (Masters or PhD).
• Students must have completed their OD program to be eligible for loan forgiveness. Thus it is highly recommended that the OD be completed before enrolling in a PhD. Also, ideal candidates should have some prior research experience. The T35 program described above provides appropriate experience.
• If you have further questions about research degrees offered in Vision Science, contact the Program Coordinator Olga O'Connor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Also see vision.berkeley.edu/VSP/.

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School of Optometry
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