The Victorian Optometrists Training and Education (VOTE) Trust granted a total of $10,618 fund for distribution in 2016-17 to two recipients on the high standard projects.

• $4,325 was awarded to Dr David Hammond and Jane Duffy of Deakin University, and Khyber Alam, an optometrist in private practice for their project, Considerations when providing optometric care for Muslim patients.
• $6,293 was awarded to Dr Michael Pianta and Dr Laura Downie of The University of Melbourne for their project, Supporting optometry to translate research into practice.

The VOTE Trust received six applications this year. The Optometry Board ofAustralia Chair, Ian Bluntish, congratulated the recipients on the high standard of their aTpplications which he said would benefit Victorian optometrists and their patients.

he VOTE Trust established in 2010 by the Optometrists Registration Board of Victoria, and have distributed almost $98,000 in total. The trust fund was initially established with $490,000 with the requirements that the funds are to be held in perpetuity, invested and the income from the fund dispersed through annual grants and awards.

The aim of the VOTE Trust is to advance and foster the practice of optometry and related techniques, procedures and policies through research and education to improve patient outcomes, and to improve Victorian optometrists’ ability to practice and Victorian students ability to undertake training principally in Victoria.

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