Vision Science Training Program

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ABSTRACT The vision scientist of tomorrow must appreciate fundamental biological processes and the challenges of ophthalmologists/optometrists to effectively utilize modern tools of research in the pursuit of new knowledge about diseases of the eye that ultimately lead to the development of adjunct and novel therapeutic interventions. To facilitate the distribution of knowledge in the field of vision science, the Vision Science Training Program goals are to continue to provide fundamental and research training to 2 pre-doctoral and 1 postdoctoral fellows. The program is unique in that it includes 21 vision research faculty from two independent institutions including the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). The participating training faculty are particularly strong in the four subdisciplines emphasized in the Vision Science Training Program, which include 1) Ocular Immunology and Infection, 2) Visual Signal Transduction, 3) Cellular Stress and Structure, and 4) Vision Neuroscience and Genetics. The four subdisciplines have been revised based on the addition of new faculty and areas of vision research. These faculty preceptors have interacted with one another and with trainees at OUHSC/OMRF for several years, forming a network that is well-suited to train a cohesive group of pre- and postdoctoral fellows in visual sciences. The program includes students and fellows from national and international sources, has strong NIH-funded research programs, and has ample core facilities, all of which foster an atmosphere of excellence in training. The pre-doctoral students are eligible for the training program after completion of their lab rotations and qualifying exam in their home departments. The Vision Science Training Program will provide in-depth enrichment in the 4 subdisciplines to the pre- and postdoctoral trainees through a number of courses, some of which focus specifically on vision, and professional development and networking opportunities. Postdoctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to take coursework and to mentor pre-doctoral students to enhance their training experience. The Visual Science Training Program Advisory Committees select the pre- and postdoctoral trainees and act in an advisory capacity. The yearly interactive Vision Science workshop, the Vision Science Journal Club, and courses related to vision science have been effective in bringing pre- and postdoctoral fellows together with training faculty in an environment that fosters excellence. The first five years funded 10 pre-doctoral and 5 postdoctoral trainees. During this time, our program trained 14 pre-doctoral and 6 postdoctoral trainees, most of whom have taken the next logical step in their careers in research, academia, or industry. Continued funding of this training grant will ensure that the community of vision scientists at OUHSC will be able to provide a robust and motivating environment to prepare trainees for future careers in vision research.