Eye and Vision Science Toolkit

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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
  • Graduate
  • 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.
    • 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 names below to learn about their journies. 

Pauline Edmund Brian Maria Patrice
Pauline Khoo Edmund Tsui Brian Thompson Maria Cabreara-Aguas Patrice Hicks

 

What are the qualities of a good researcher?
  • Curious
  • Hardworking
  • Passionate
  • Open-minded 
  • Committed
  • Willing to make mistakes and learn from them
  • Patient 
  • Resilient

See what others in the field say are valuable characteristics of a good researcher.


A day in the life of a vision researcher

Head over to ARVO's Youtube channel to take a look at what a typical day is like for various researchers at their job or at school. 

Archayeeta Rakshit, MPhil, BOptom - a doctoral student at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia)

 

Take a peek at what they get up to by following them on social media!

Instagram

Twitter

 

 

 


Eye and Vision Observances

Note these dates to bring awareness to your family, friends and school about the importance of eye and vision care as well as vision research.

 

 

Month

Observance Months

Observance Days & Weeks

June

Cataract Awareness Month

Fireworks Eye Safety Month

Fireworks Eye Safety Week: June 28 - July 4

Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week: June 26 - July 2

July

Dry Eye Awareness Month

Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month

Fireworks Safety Week: Jun. 28 – July 4

Helen Keller DeafBlind Awareness Week: June 25 - July 1

World Sjögren's Day: July 23

August

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

 

September

Sports Eye Safety Month

Healthy Aging Month

Inflammatory Eye Disease Awareness Week: Sept. 18 - 24

October

Contact Lens Safety Month

World Sight Day: Oct. 13

November

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week: Nov. 13 - 19

Geographic Atrophy Awareness Week: Nov. 13 - 17 

December

Give the Gift of Sight Month

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Dec. 3