Short Term Training in Health Professional Schools The long-term objectives of the proposed short-term training program are: 1) to inspire commitment to research careers in vision science among optometry students, including women and underrepresented groups, and 2) to foster a better understanding of vision research and evidence based clinical practice. The specific aim is to increase the number of clinician scientists who can do basic, clinical, and translational investigative work on vision and vision disorders through early exposure to research. The program has operated successfully since 1985. Almost 390 optometry students have been trained, including students from underrepresented groups, and students from 11 optometry schools other than the University of Houston. The program provides opportunities for academically qualified and motivated students to spend three months learning to formulate testable vision- research questions and to develop research skills by doing a research project mentored by 1 of 19 experienced vision scientists. The mentors' research programs fall into the following broad areas: 1) visual development, plasticity, repair, and aging of structure and function, 2) visual optics and refractive error, 3) ocular surface and anterior segment, 4) oculomotor systems, 5) structure and function in normal and diseased eyes, and visual pathways, 6) visual cell and molecular biology and immunology, 7) spatio-temporal vision, and 8) binocular vision. Twelve students will be recruited each of the next five years for NEI fellowships, with another two or more supported by local funds for the program. Selection will be based on scholarship, particularly in sciences, as well as on research interest, potential, and experience. Trainees will be first year optometry students. In addition to research, trainees will participate in: 1) a 2-hr course on responsible conduct of research, research design, reproducibility, methodology and communication of findings, 2) a 1-hr weekly seminar given by local and visiting vision scientists, and 3) lab meetings and journal clubs. Trainees will have access to first-rate facilities and resources, including well-equipped basic and clinical/translational research space, a full scope of technical services (bio-imaging, research computer programming, instrumentation, biostatistics), animal viviarium, and a vision and health science library with full electronic access – all in modern buildings on a major university campus. Public Health: The proposed short term training program for optometry students will improve visual health by increasing the number of clinician scientists doing basic, clinical and translational research on vision disorders. The program encourages participation by underrepresented groups in vision care and science.