Support for Vision Research
The Company supports research as a vital part of its continuing commitment to the prevention and treatment of vision impairment. We support better vision for all and we aim to inspire future generations committed to visionary eye care. We believe that no-one should be held back because of impaired vision.
Our bursaries, awards and medals recognise and encourage people at all stages of a career in clinical research and/or academic study.
The Spectacle Makers’ Charity offers awards to ophthalmologists in training whose papers and posters have been accepted for presentation or who are offered overseas internships which will change their careers.
Our Bronze Medals reward prize-winning articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals which extend knowledge across the optical community. The Master’s Medal encourages publication by early-stage researchers, studying for, or within 1 year of achieving, a higher level degree. The Ruskell Medal rewards research which makes a significant difference to our understanding of vision and is published by someone who is within their first 7 years of post-doctoral work, whether in academia or in clinical practice.
Through our Silver Medals, we acknowledge individuals and organisations whose innovation and achievement over a period of at least 7 years has led to a significant advance in scientific knowledge, clinical practice or education of the next generation of scientists and researchers. We award Gold Medals only rarely, to exceptional individuals whose focus throughout their whole career has been the improvement of vision and who have had a major influence in the world of vision science and understanding.
WCSM’s medal programme is overseen by the REM (Research, Education, Public Engagement and Medals) Group – a group of eminent scientists and academics drawn from various UK universities and colleges. There are good links with all academic departments and institutions and entry to the medal competitions is open to anyone who fulfils the criteria.
