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 research.berkeley.edu/Biology_Fellows/BFPSem.html. Work study positions are also sometimes available; students should check with labs of interest to them.
• Please visit the Vision Science page (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.

Research Opportunities 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 $3,500 and students are strongly encouraged to present their research at conferences such as the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting.
• 12 places 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 US citizens or permanent residents.
• For more information, please visit the NEI page on the website: optometry.berkeley.edu/opt_txtpp/programs/nei/neisummer.html
  

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, Inez Bailey (inezb@berkeley.edu). Also see vision.berkeley.edu/vsp/