Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunity - Evaluation of the cost effectiveness of orientation and mobility services for people with blindness and low vision

A full-time PhD scholarship opportunity to the value of $36,288 per annum, for up to three years, is available for a suitably qualified candidate to undertake a PhD. Students are encouraged to apply for competitive scholarship funding.

This PhD scholarship is funded by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to investigate the cost-effectiveness of orientation and mobility rehabilitation services provided in the community to people with vision impairments. Support services in Australia for people with vision impairments, severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living, are provided by two major non- government organizations, including Guide Dogs Australia which operation in NSW/ACT through nine regional officers. Guide Dogs Australia’s program involve training in the use of mobility aids such as white canes and electronic aids, as well as the provision of guide dogs. In 2012/2013 over 4000 individual programs were delivered by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT specialist Orientation and Mobility Instructors. This PhD project will involve development of economic models to access the cost-effectiveness of these programs.

The student will be affiliated with The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney and will work closely with epidemiologists and skilled health economists at The George Institute and orientation and mobility specialists at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Applicants should hold an appropriate Honours 1 or high 2A (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in related discipline and/professional experience in health economics or vision science.  Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens.

All applications must be sent to A/Prof Lisa Keay and should include a cover letter, current Curriculum Vitae, copy of academic transcripts, proof of citizenship or permanent residency and the names and contact details of at least two referees. Please note subject heading as 'PhD - Guidedogs'.

This opportunity is also posted on the University of Sydney: http://agile2.ucc.usyd.edu.au/ro/opportunities/scholarships/1689