Eye and Vision Science Toolkit

Eye and Vision Science Toolkit

What do I need to study to become a vision scientist?

Visual science is an interdisciplinary field containing professionals from psychology, neuroscience, engineering, artificial intelligence, public health and much more. If you are interested in eye and vision science, here are some suggestions on how to get on track for a career in the field:

• High School
  • Focus on courses such as chemistry, biology, math, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology and physics.
  • Participate in science opportunities such as science fairs, contests, mentorships or internships.
• Undergraduate
  • Pursue majors in the sciences and health fields. For example:
    • Microbiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, medicine, cell biology, neuroscience, public health, medical sciences, engineering
  • Also look for specific vision science programs, such as 
    • the Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Vision Science (BSVS)
    • University of New South Wales (UNSW)’s Bachelor of Vision Science
  • Look for internships and research opportunities during this time as well.
• Graduate
  • You can pursue a graduate degree in sciences or health fields:
    • Masters of Science in Public Health
    • Masters in Neuroscience
  • Some graduate programs offer joint PhD programs too.
    • University of Michigan Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS)
• Medical School
  • Your first three years should focus on attaining acceptable preclinical grades, seeking mentors in ophthalmology, and engaging in extracurricular activities like research, outreach events, etc.
  • Check out resources for medical students recommended by the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology.
  • In your fourth year of medical school, you should apply to an Ophthalmology Residency Program.
    • Use San Francisco Match to find programs and apply.
  • You must complete a post-graduate clinical year (PGY-1) internship when you enter an ophthalmology training program.
• PhD Program
  • In medical school, you can enter a PhD Program such as:
    • PhD in Population Health Science
  • You can also pursue a combined MD, PhD degree

Citation: https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(16)30132-4/fulltext. Grubbs, J. R., & Mian, S. I. (2016). Advising students interested in ophthalmology: A summary of the evidence. Ophthalmology, 123(7), 1406–1410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.04.016

If you would like more information about courses of study, or to get matched with a mentor advisor, please contact outreach@arvo.org. 

How do I become a researcher?

Research is essential in creating new treatments that save millions of lives. But how do you become a researcher? 

It is important to remember that not everyone's path to becoming an eye and vision researcher is the same. It can vary depending on your interests, the country you live in, and your life experiences. We asked some of our members to share how they got into the field. Click on their pictures below to learn about their journies. 

What are the qualities of a good researcher?

Look at what other researchers say are valuable assets. 

A day in the life of a vision researcher

Learn about researchers' typical day at their job or at school.