Abstract:

Purpose: To present and discuss theinternational trends in research collaborations between US optometry schools / colleges with other countries in 2007 and 2008.

Methods: A survey was sent to the 17 US optometry schools /colleges both in 2007 and 2008. At each institution, the president, dean, or a designated faculty member completed the survey. International research collaborations was defined as the programs conducted outside the US and Canada.

Results: The survey in 2007 identified that 3 out of 17 optometry schools having research collaborations in 5 different programs with other countries outside of US and Canada. The survey in 2008 showed that 5 out of a total of 17 optometry schools had international research collaborations, with a total of 12 programs. Majority of the programs were supported by grants. There was 67% increase in the numbers of US optometry schools/colleges which had international research collaboration compared year 2008 to year 2007, with 140% increase in the numbers of research collaboration programs.

Conclusions: International research collaborations between US optometry schools/colleges and other countries increased over the year 2007 to 2008.

Comments: Authors thank the committee of International Optometric Education Task Force (Drs David Health, Jim Sheedy, and David Loshin) to develop the survey. Authors would also like to thank Marty Wall and Joanne Zuckerman to manage the data and organize the survey response.