# Short-term Training in Health Professional Schools

> **NIH EY T35** · STATE COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY · 2026 · $44,098

## Abstract

We request a continuation of the T35 Training Program at the State University of New York College of
Optometry that has existed for over 30 years. The purpose of the program is to introduce optometry students
to basic, translational, and clinical optometric and vision science research by participating full-time for ten
weeks in a research project mentored by one of the 16 members of our distinguished research faculty.
Research programs of the training faculty include: (1) molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics; (2) ocular
pathology and visual dysfunction; (3) visual neuroscience, including neurodegeneration and neuroprotection;
(4) eye growth and refraction; (5) visual psychophysics; (6) optics; and (7) clinical trials. In addition to research,
trainees will attend research colloquia, graduate seminars, journal clubs, and courses in Scientific Ethics and
the Responsible Conduct of Research and in Reproducibility of Research through Rigor and Transparency. It
is expected that this experience will provide trainees with both technical and problem-solving skills that will
inspire them to include vision research as an important component of their future career as optometrists. In the
most favorable scenario, highly motivated trainees will choose to continue their research by entering the
combined OD-MS or OD-PhD. graduate programs in Vision Science at the College and thereby obtain both a
clinical and a research degree. The training will be conducted within the 50,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art basic,
translational, and clinical research space at the College. The College also maintains computer, electronic,
graphic, and extensive library facilities that are freely available to the trainees. Trainees will consist of
optometry students from any of the schools of optometry in the US who have completed their first or second
year of the professional program and have shown high academic achievement. The Training Program strives
to provide trainees the clinician/researc

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11408500
- **Project number:** 5T35EY020481-17
- **Recipient organization:** STATE COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
- **Principal Investigator:** Stewart Allen Bloomfield
- **Activity code:** T35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** EY
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $44,098
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2010-01-08T00:00:00 → 2030-03-31T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11408500

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11408500, Short-term Training in Health Professional Schools (5T35EY020481-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11408500. Licensed CC0.

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