Awards will boost eye care access

Talented doctors from developing countries can benefit from new scholarships that improve access to eye care training.

Doctors from sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and South America will be eligible for the post-graduate Master in Surgery awards. They will fund places on the University’s online distance learning programme.

Scholarships

The scholarships have been created thanks to a £250,000 donation from David E I Pyott, CBE, a graduate of the University. Mr Pyott went on to become CEO of the pharmaceutical firm Allergan.

The firm - under a pending merger with Pfizer for $160 billion - is recognised as a global leader in the field of ophthalmics, medical aesthetics and neurology products. It is best known as the pioneer of the use of Botox injections for aesthetic use.

Improving eye care

The David E I Pyott Foundation scholarships will support specialist surgical training for those from developing countries pursuing careers in ophthalmology - the discipline of medical eye care.

The business leader is passionate about improving access to quality eye care in these nations.

The scholarships will support online tuition so that students can engage in learning in tandem with their clinical experience.

Mentoring

It is hoped students will benefit from close mentoring in research methods. The course is designed to help them deliver clinical research that is relevant to and enhances eye surgical service quality.

Six scholarships will be available, covering tuition fees for the online Master’s programme as well as broadband internet access and a laptop.

Having had the fortune of leading a very successful company for the last 17 years, I am now able to direct targeted contributions to charitable causes. I am passionate about providing focused training opportunities for physicians. With my knowledge of eyecare globally, I believe that these scholarships will help alleviate blindness in parts of the world where there is limited access to trained doctors.

Public lecture

The scholarships will be announced during a visit by Mr Pyott to the University.

After touring the University’s ophthalmology facilities, he will talk with students thinking of a career in business and give a public lecture at the University’s Business School on Tuesday 8th December.

The event, entitled “David Pyott: My journey as CEO”, will take place at 6.30pm.