Since 2020, the Foundation has been hard at work developing six new programs to help fill currently unmet needs and align with the American Academy of Optometry’s recent strategic plan.
The Academy’s strategic plan, entitled “Inspiring Excellence in Eye Care” has five pillars, each defining a priority of the Academy. These are: Education, Research, Membership, Leadership & Legacy, and Strategic Partnerships. Below is a brief description of the new programs which support these pillars by “Enabling Excellence in Eye Care.”
Clinical Investigator Certification Program
The Clinical Investigator Certification Program provides practicing optometrists with the training and skills necessary to serve as a clinical investigator for sponsored clinical research trials within their practice setting.
Clinical Fellows are uniquely positioned to recognize areas of eye care requiring further development or investigation. Many potential collaborative partners, such as academic and industry researchers, are searching for this insight. Become an Academy-certified Clinical Investigator and learn the skills required to conduct rigorous sponsored clinical trials within your current practice setting.
The eight-week program is only open to Fellows and covers the following learning objectives:
- Understand the responsibilities of an investigator conducting a clinical trial
- Understand the basic concepts of clinical trial design (three sessions)
- Understand the concepts related to human subject research (two sessions)
- Review basics in statistics specific to clinical trials and learn how to avoid data bias and error
- Understand the administrative/management aspects of research
Instructors
- Robin Chalmers, OD, FAAO / Clinical Trial Consultant
- Bill Gleason, OD / Foresight Regulatory Strategies
- Amy Nau, OD, FAAO / Korb Associates
- Lisa Ostrin, OD, PhD, FAAO / Associate Professor, University of Houston College of Optometry
- Tom Quinn, OD, MS, FAAO / Athens Eye Care; Former Owner
- Allison Summers, OD, MCR, FAAO, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University
- Kathy Weise, OD, MBA, FAAO / Professor, University of Alabama, Birmingham
The current enrollment window will open January 30, 2024 – March 4, 2024.
Each session will begin at 8:30pm EST.
Session Dates:
Session 1 – April 9, 2024
Session 2 – April 16, 2024
Session 3 – April 23, 2024
Session 4 – April 30, 2024
Break for ARVO
Session 5 – May 14, 2024
Session 6 – May 21, 2024
Session 7 – May 28, 2024
Session 8 – June 4, 2024
Clinical Podcast Series
The Clinical Podcast Series distributes video podcasts each month discussing trending, clinically relevant research to improve patient care. The podcasts feature expert clinicians and researchers who offer summaries of current research which may directly translate and impact daily patient care.
This initiative provides summaries (video podcasts) of trending, clinically relevant research, which may directly translate to improved patient care. Video podcasts will be distributed monthly and compiled over time to form a podcast library for Fellows to access.
Series Topics:
- Anterior Segment Disease Care
- Clinical Binocular Vision and Pediatrics Care
- Clinical Contact Lens and Myopia Care
- Clinical Glaucoma and Retinal Care
- Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disease
- Low Vision Care
- Primary Optometric Care
- Public Health
- TBI
- OVS Announces
OD/PhD Scholarship Program
About
he OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in a vision related field. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is pleased to award one OD to PhD Fellowships in 2024, each being a $30,000 award payable over two years. The Fellowship is funded by Jill and George Mertz. The candidate is selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants who must have completed or are in the process of completing clinical training leading to an optometry degree.
This fellowship is congruent with enrollment in a vision or related biomedical science PhD program. Awardees will receive $15,000 (US dollars) upon beginning their first year of training, and if they demonstrate sufficient success during the initial year (as described within their progress report, see below), they will receive an additional $15,000 (US dollars) upon beginning their second year of training.
Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. Previous recipients of the fellowship are not eligible to apply.
The best candidate must:
Have completed or in the process of completing clinical training leading to an optometry degree. Although not required, some priority may be given to those with optometry training at a North American school or college of optometry.
Plan to enter a full-time PhD-level program located at a North American institution in order to pursue training in vision science or other related biomedical sciences. Those who have already started a graduate PhD program are not eligible. Funding is not awarded until the awardee has started their training at the institution and obtained an OD degree.
Outline a plan to pursue a career, which includes research and academic optometry, at a North American school or college of optometry.
Focus their research on the study of an innovative area impacting clinical care. Although not required, some priority may be given to those pursuing innovation in the field of cornea, contact lenses, or refractive technologies.
Applications must include the following:
- Official transcript from a clinical training institution.
- Either a resume/curriculum vitae (CV), or biosketch (e.g. NIH style acceptable, such as the “non-fellowship” NIH formatted biosketch).
- Information regarding any other salary, monetary awards, and/or financial or research support.
- Although not required, if the applicant has previous publications, abstracts, or research experience/work, include a listing/description of these if they are not already included in the provided resume/CV/biosketch.
- Include a description of all training and teaching experience.
- A personal statement limited to 200 words for each of the following individual items. This is a maximum of 1,000 words for the five items combined. The statement must include:
- Intended program of study and area of research, highlighting any innovation and clinical impact of this work. Specifically, describe clinically meaningful questions you hope to explore.
- Description of why this award would enable you to pursue graduate education over alternative paths.
- Your commitment and interest in optometric research and education within a school or college of optometry.
- Any additional academic or research training, including honors, lectures, papers, posters not already described in the resume/CV/biosketch.
- Short- and long-term career goals.
Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to comment on your character, educational qualifications, research abilities, potential, and future teaching capabilities. Letters must be no longer than two pages.
**Please note, a notification will be sent to the “recommender” with instructions on how to upload the letter once your application has been submitted.**
Following award notification, but prior to the distribution of any funds to the institution, the AAOF must be provided a letter from an authorized individual (e.g. Dean, Associate Dean) at the graduate training institution (a) describing the applicant’s program of study (e.g. PhD in vision science), (b) confirming acceptance to the program and start date, (c) confirming the applicant has started the program.
If the applicant has already been awarded the first year $15,000 and wishes to apply for the second possible year of $15,000 support, their application does not require the above materials but rather consists of:
- A progress report of up to 500 words describing achievements to date and goals/activities to be pursued during the second and final year of $15,000 funding. This report also should specifically highlight any presentations, publications, grant applications, and grants received.
- A letter from an authorized individual (e.g. Dean, Associate Dean) at the graduate training institution (a) describing the applicant’s program of study (e.g. PhD in vision science), and (b) confirming continued enrollment and good standing in the program plus their GPA.
Applications and supporting materials must be uploaded via our online submission system.
All submissions will receive a confirmation email within three business days of receipt. The applicant will receive an additional message only if the application is incomplete.
Review Procedures
All grant/award submissions are initially reviewed for completeness and eligibility by Academy and Foundation staff. To the extent feasible, staff will work to notify applicants regarding eligibility and incomplete submissions prior to the application deadline.
Complete, eligible applications are then sent to a reviewing body, which is specifically chosen so as to allow the most knowledgeable merit review of the application. The reviewing body sends its recommendations to the Programs Advisory Committee (PAC), which uses the reviewing body’s recommendations to select the final awardees in alignment with programmatic needs and corresponding gift agreements.
The decision of the PAC is provided to the AAOF Board for review and approval. The AAO/AAOF Conflict of Interest policy governs the actions of individuals involved throughout this review and approval process.
Program Notes
Please note, prior to the opening of the submission window, changes may occur to the criteria and guidelines for submission to this program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the program page during the open window to ensure they are aware of all requirements needed to apply.
In accepting a fellowship, the recipient agrees to:
- Comply with all programmatic requests.
- Notify AAOF of changes to recipient’s ability to complete the fellowship, contact information, and institution changes.
- Acknowledge the AAOF in written and oral presentations (articles, abstracts, or research conducted) as a result of the fellowship.
- Attend the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, including the AAOF Celebration Luncheon during the award period in order to receive the award in person.
- If requested, provide a minimum of two volunteer hours at the AAOF/AAO Booth during the Academy’s annual meeting.
- Allow the AAOF/AAO to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These may appear in a variety of media formats announcing and promoting the program. This includes, but is not limited to, annual reports, website, and any promotional materials.
- Submit a one-page progress report at the end of the award year. This progress report should specifically highlight any presentations, publications, grants applications, and/or grants received.
- Awardees are strongly encouraged to:
- Submit research work associated with the fellowship to the Academy Scientific Program for consideration in the year of the application submission and award.
- Submit research work for consideration of publication (if accepted upon peer-review) to Optometry and Vision Science.
The submission window will open October 2024.
Questions?
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this Fellowship.
Research Funding: Myopia Research
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF), incorporated in 1947, has invested tens of millions of dollars to support Fellowships, research grants, educational scholarships, and student travel awards to improve patient care. Reality Labs Research (RLR), in collaboration with the AAOF, has committed funding to stimulate new investigations in the important field of myopia.
Funding is available for one large award or multiple smaller awards. Award money may be used over one or more years depending on project construction and needs. The final number of awards and their award amounts will be determined based on application pools and priority. All funding is provided for direct research costs only, including PI and key personnel salaries, equipment, and supplies. Indirect costs will not be provided. Awards will be made only to investigators with institutional affiliation, and funding will be distributed to such institutions for management and disbursal to investigators in alignment with the AAOF agreement.
A comprehensive understanding of the risk factors in our visual environment that contribute to myopia development and/or progression is lacking. Therefore, we are soliciting proposals that aim to accelerate understanding of these potential risk factors in more novel ways in an effort towards closing these knowledge gaps. Some example research areas could include investigation of the role of spatial frequency content, lighting characteristics, optical aberrations, genetics, etc., but all proposals relevant to myopia, excluding animal models, will be considered and evaluated based on their scientific merit.
Eligibility requirements:
This opportunity is being announced to all Fellows of The American Academy of Optometry.
- The PI(s) must be an Academy Fellow(s) in good
- PI(s) must have an institutional affiliation, where the proposed work will be conducted, and the institutional affiliation should not include a for-profit
- The research project must address a relevant research question(s) and have the potential to positively impact the field of myopia research and clinical management.
Application Requirements:
The Letter of Intent (LOI):
RLR and AAOF are initially accepting LOIs for grants addressing myopia.
-
- Prospective applicants should submit an LOI for the purpose of defining the applicant’s TheLOI must be no more than 3 pages of single-spaced, Arial 11-point font with half-inch margins, uploaded as a single PDF file, and include the following:
- Rationale and Background for Proposed Research: Briefly describe what important myopia research question(s) the project is addressing and how the proposed study achieves the purpose of the AAOF-RLR Pertinent background and rationale for the proposed research question should also be provided.
- Objectives and Research Aims: Describe the overall scientific question including proposed hypotheses, specific study aims and objectives.
- Research Approach: Provide a concise but thorough overview of the proposed study design and methods, including primary outcome measure(s).
- Research Team: List key members of the research project team, including PI, clinical investigators, academic partners, and Indicate whether members are an Academy Fellow. Provide a description of each member’s role in the project, their expertise, and their affiliations/appointments. If members of the research team are separated geographically, outline the proposed methods for collaboration.
- Budget Overview: Provide an overview of the budget and any additional support. Reminder: This grant award does not provide funds for indirect costs.
- In addition, the NIH Biosketch of the PI(s) should be provided, which do not contribute to the 3-page LOI limit.
- In a given application cycle, an applicant (PI) can only submit one LOI, and upon approval/invitation, one full proposal. Additional LOIs or proposals from the same PI per funding cycle will not be considered.
- Prospective applicants should submit an LOI for the purpose of defining the applicant’s TheLOI must be no more than 3 pages of single-spaced, Arial 11-point font with half-inch margins, uploaded as a single PDF file, and include the following:
Invited Full Applications:
- The grant proposal should follow the standard NIH format with modifications as outlined Example forms and tips can be found at the following site: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/find- forms.htm
- Applications should be in Arial 11 font with half-inch margins and be single spaced.
- In general, the following items should be included in the proposal:
- Cover Letter
- Title Page with Approval from Institutional Signing Official
- Table of Contents
- Detailed Budget and Justification for all years
- Biosketch(es) in NIH format
- Resources and Environment
- Scientific Abstract
- Specific Aims and Scientific Impact (1 page)
- Significance and Innovation (1 page)
- Research Plan (6 pages)
- Project Timeline (1 page)
- Literature cited
- Human Subjects (statement of equity, diversity, and inclusion)
- Biohazards, if applicable
- Letters of support from collaborators/consultants
- Other current funding having overlap with this application
Target Application & Review Timeline for LOI and Invited Proposals
Call for LOI submission | March 15, 2024 |
Letter of Intent (LOI) submission deadline | April 22, 2024 |
Notifications to selected LOI’s to submit full proposals | May 20, 2024 |
Grant proposal full application submission deadline (5:00PMEastern Time deadline) | August 5, 2024 |
RLR/AAOF selection of awardee(s) and RLR ratifiesdecision | September 30, 2024 |
AAOF Board of Directors ratifies decision | October 25, 2024 |
Notification of award letter(s) and award documents | October 28, 2024 |
Funds disbursed 10 days upon finalization of documents | TBD |
Review Process
A review committee composed of representatives of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO)and/or the AAOF with expertise in the research topic area (4) and Reality Labs Research (3) will perform the review process of both the LOIs and full proposals. This committee will seek external reviewers with topical expertise to provide scientific merit reviews, as necessary. Following review of LOI’s, applicants will not be provided any review feedback other than a request to submit a full proposal or not. Review of full applications will include a detailed summary statement of their scientific merit, and review information will be sent to the AAOF. The Programs Approval Committee (PAC)will then determine awardee(s) based on merit and programmatic goals. However, RLR retains the right to not fund any proposals not felt to be consistent with the goals of this funding mechanism.
Additional Grant Notes
Grant Disclaimers
To aim to protect applicants and all parties involved, the AAOF and award sponsor (RLR) have entered into a contractual agreement. The sponsor (RLR) is involved in the review and selection process. To aim to provide protection, upon award selection, awardees and their institution will enter into a contractual agreement with the
Academy Foundation as is standard practice for all research-based awards. Given that RLR members will be involved in the review process, it is possible that applicants not selected for funding through the AAOF mechanism may be contacted by an AAOF representative about other potential RLR grant funding mechanisms after announcement of the AAOF awardee has been made (e.g., RLR R&D funding). These potential collaborations do not involve the Foundation in any way and should be
negotiated through the processes established by each investigator’s institutional policies.
It should be explicitly understood that in alignment with standard practice, any presentation, publication, or grant application are deemed disclosures of intellectual property, which often precludes further protection. Therefore, investigators should aim not to disclose any intellectual property within their application and should establish appropriate protection prior to submission of the application. Progress
Reports to the Academy Foundation which will be shared with RLR will also be required. The awardee gives RLR the right to reproduce and distribute these progress reports as RLR chooses. Distribution may be delayed for up to 12 months at the awardee’s request
in order to pursue publication of study findings. Despite these protections, the Academy Foundation cannot guarantee that acts of malice will not occur. Although any act of malice will be handled to the extent enforceable by the contract and legal means, applicants may wish to minimize confidential information provided in applications.
Award Recognition and Publication Submission
The award recipient and an institution representative will be invited to be recognized
and participate at AAOF events and the annual AAOF Celebration Luncheon at the AAO annual meeting.
Recipients are encouraged to submit a manuscript reporting the major outcomes of the funded project to Optometry and Vision Science. All award recipients by application and acceptance of an award agree to allow the AAOF and/or the sponsor of the program to which they applied to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These may appear in a variety of media formats that will announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AAOF’s and/or sponsor’s annual report, website, annual meeting promotional materials.
Any manuscript or publication material produced must acknowledge the American Academy of Optometry Foundation and Reality Labs Research as a funding source. Questions: please email FRLAAOF@aaoptom.org.
Research Funding: Pilot Grant Program
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation’s (AAOF) recent strategic planning process included the development of new programs. These new programs addressed unmet constituent needs and aligned with the American Academy of Optometry’s strategic plan. One of the new pillars is increased support for optometric research. The AAOF identified two gaps in research funding and proposed actions to address these. These initiatives include 1) the development of new collaborations with research partners 2) stimulation of novel exploratory research by funding pilot research projects.
The Foundation will be funding research for The Pediatric Pilot Grant Program.
Purpose
Early in her optometric career, Dr. Allison Summers, OD, MCR, FAAO, focused on helping children through both her clinical work and advocacy efforts. As she advanced in her own career into research, she learned that resources and paths for mid-career clinicians were sparce. In response to this great need, Allison has generously developed and financially supported a funding opportunity for fellow clinical researchers. The Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant is an annual $10,000 grant to help mid-career clinicians collect pilot data and compete for larger funding in pediatric research.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. https://www.aaopt.org/membership/becoming
- Eligible individuals include optometrists who have been in practice 10-25 years in a primarily clinical appointment (private practice, department of ophthalmology, school of optometry, hospital, healthcare center, or similar).
- The applicant must be a new researcher (hasn’t received an R01 or equivalent large funding and has less than 25% paid time for research).
- Priority will be given to proposals that advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (see the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for DEIA) and/or are proposed by diverse investigators.
- Research mentorship is available to the awardee if requested.
- The AAOF reserves the right to reduce the budget to that judged appropriate for the materials and research effort required. Matching or any other type of material or personnel support are welcomed and should be included in the proposal.
- No indirect (i.e., facilities and administration) costs will be provided.
- All funds, as per policy of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, will be issued in U.S. currency to the primary institution of record.
- Awards support research conducted for a period of no more than 2 years. Recipients must submit a minimum 500-word report of their research findings to the AAOF at the end of each award period, to be eligible for subsequent awards sponsored by the AAOF.
Application Process
All proposal materials must be submitted online via our online submission system. Click the APPLY NOW button at the bottom of the page to apply.
Applications should be in Arial 11pt font with half-inch margins and be single-spaced.
Applicants should first submit a letter of intent (LOI) for the purposes of confirming eligibility and institutional commitment, as well as providing an overview of the aims and budget request.
Review Process
The AAO Research Committee and external reviewers with topical expertise, as needed, provide a scientific merit review. Following scientific review, the Foundation Programs Approval Committee (PAC) selects recipients based on merit and programmatic goals. Results are provided to the Foundation Board for final decisions on funding.
Grant Notes
Awards will not be given unless appropriate human subjects and/or animal care and usage approvals are in place. Annual progress reports are required, with a summary of goals achieved, detailed timeline of accomplishments (including abstracts and publications), and a detailed report on funds expended.
The award recipient will be invited to attend the next AAO annual meeting to be recognized and participate at AAOF events.
Any manuscript or publication material produced must acknowledge the American Academy of Optometry Foundation.
Recipients are encouraged to submit a manuscript to Optometry and Vision Science.
All award recipients by application and acceptance of an award agree to allow the AAOF and/or the sponsor of the program, to which they applied, to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These may appear in a variety of media formats that announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AAOF’s and/or sponsor’s annual report, website, annual meeting promotional materials.
https://www.nih.gov/sites/default/files/about-nih/nih-wide-strategic-plan-deia-two-page-overview.pdf
Important Dates
- Applications open: April 5, 2024
- Letter of intent deadline: April 22, 2024
- Notice of invitation for full proposal: May 21, 2024
- Grant proposal submission deadline: July 19, 2024
- Announcement of award: October 2024
- Presentation of award: During Academy 2024 Indianapolis
- Funds dispersed: January 2025
For further information contact AAOAwards@aaoptom.org
Staff Training Fundamentals
The Staff Training Fundamentals program provides a basic foundational education for employees who are new to the eye care profession. The training modules are aligned in a curriculum intended to be taken during the first two weeks of employment and certificates are provided upon completion. Training modules include topics such as ocular anatomy and disease, vision correction options, health care compliance laws, and much more. Click below for a curriculum overview and to enroll!
This comprehensive training course provides a simple, consistent way to onboard new staff members into your practice. The program has sixteen training modules:
- Curriculum Overview
- Ocular Anatomy (45 mins)
- Ocular Disease Basics (25 mins)
- Dry Eye & Ocular Health (40 mins)
- Lensometry (20 mins)
- Lens Types (30 mins)
- Lens Materials (20 mins)
- Frame Styles & Materials (15 mins)
- Contact Lens Overview (30 mins)
- Properties of Contact Lenses (15 mins)
- Basics of Refractive Laser Surgery (20 mins)
- The Cataract Patient Journey (15 mins)
- Front Desk Basics (20 mins)
- Telephone Etiquette (30 mins)
- New Dispenser Quick Start (30 mins)
- Records & Compliance (20 mins)
- Healthcare Compliance Laws (25 mins)
Staff Training Fundamentals is provided FREE to Academy members and their designated staff.
New staff members who complete all of the training modules will build their confidence more quickly and become an even greater asset to your team. Upon completion of the course, each staff member will receive a Certificate of Completion.
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation deeply appreciates the contribution of curriculum content from Alcon, Essilor, and Practice Compliance Solutions, plus an education grant from CooperVision. These companies have helped make the Staff Training Fundamentals course available for you.
Clinical Investigator Database
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation’s (AAOF) Clinical Investigator Database is now open! Industry Partners will access the database to identify clinical sites for sponsored clinical trials.
Step 1: Eligibility Criteria
To be considered an experienced investigator eligible for inclusion in the AAOF’s Clinical Investigator Database you must:
- Be an Academy Fellow in good standing
- Have participated as either a PI or Sub-PI in at least 3 studies within the past 7 years.
- Have current CITI or equivalent certification (If you are a Fellow but do not yet have this certification, you may, through the generosity of Sterling IRB, earn it via the Academy’s link. See detailed instructions at the end of this document).
- Pass the Clinical Investigator Proof of Proficiency: If you meet the three eligibility criteria stated above you are eligible to take the clinical investigator Proof of Proficiency (see below).
Step 2: Demonstrate understanding of clinical investigations via the Academy’s Proof of Proficiency Assessment
- Method of Administration: Online
- Test will be 40 questions, five from each of the eight areas in the American Academy of Optometry Foundation’s Clinical Investigator (CIC) course curriculum.
- A score of 80% is necessary to pass each section.
- If you do not pass a given section, you will have the opportunity to retake the assessment for that section. You will not need to retake the assessment for sections in which you already scored 80% or higher.
Step 3: Enter Site information into Database
Once you pass the proficiency assessment, a message will be present on the final screen with the passcode to enter your site information into the database. You will also receive an email with this information.
NOTE: If you provide care at multiple locations, you will need to fill out a separate database form for each location.
Start the process now! Click here to get started by taking the Proficiency Assessment: https://www.aao-learning.org/courses/CICPOP
Accessing the Sterling IRB CITI Courses:
- Registering with CITI (New Users) –
- Go to https://www.citiprogram.org/index.cfm?pageID=154&icat=0&clear=1.
- To affiliate with our organization, please type in and select “Sterling Institutional Review Board (IRB)” from the “Select Your Organization Affiliation” drop-down menu.
- Move through Steps 2-7 to complete your registration.
- Current CITI Users –
- Login at https://www.citiprogram.org/, select the “Click here to affiliate with another institution” drop-down menu and click on the corresponding link to proceed with your registration.
- Type in and select our organization (“Sterling Institutional Review Board IRB)”) from the “Select Your Organization Affiliation” drop-down menu and click on the “Next” button to begin the institutional registration process.
- Follow the remaining steps to complete your registration.
- Select “GCP for Clinical Investigation of Devices”
- To obtain further technical assistance, please contact CITI support directly by phone at 888-529-5929.