Postgraduate Scholarship Oppportunity - Evaluating the Impact of Un-operated Cataract in Australia – the FOCUS Study

A full-time scholarship opportunity to the value of $26,288 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 and scholarship recipients may be eligible for a $10,000 per annum top-up (tax exempt) for up to three years.

Falls are a leading cause of death and disability in older people and vision loss dramatically increases the risk of falls.  A fall often leads to loss of confidence, admission to nursing homes and can precipitate a rapid decline in health status.  The National Health and Medical Research Council funded The FOCUS Study (2013-2015) to evaluate falls risk in older people with cataract and this work is being extended to investigate routine and expedited surgery within NSW.  Optimal refractive and surgical management of cataract is not known.  Through the FOCUS study, the Institute for Global Health aims to translate evidence gathered to guide resource allocation for surgical services and best practice refractive care for older people with cataract.   This PhD scholarship will involve collection of primary data for this second phase of research, linkage of health records and economic analyses of the impact of delays in cataract surgery.

Applicants should hold an appropriate Honours 1 or high 2A (or equivalent) undergraduate degree in related discipline.  Professional experience in optometry, orthoptics or other health disciplines in the fields of aged care or eye care are an advantage.  Applicants must be Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.

Applications should be sent to A/Prof Lisa Keay and  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 - FOCUS'.

This opportunity is also posted on the University of Sydney: http://agile2.ucc.usyd.edu.au/ro/opportunities/scholarships/1667 

We are reviewing applications as we receive them, so apply now!