The Department of Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing continues to strengthen its international links with a new relationship in the European Union.

The Department of Optics at the Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Czech Republic, becomes the department's latest international partner. Palacky University is located in the peaceful town of Olomouc, approximately 60 kilometres from Brno.

The Department of Optics has a long tradition within the University, and some years ago introduced Optometry into its curriculum. Optometry in the Czech Republic is a developing profession and while it has similarities to the optometry in the UK, the regulation and scope of professional practice is not as developed. Nevertheless, there is a strong tradition within the department of high-quality science and a commitment to quality.

The relationship developed following a series of meetings between Dr John Siderov, Head of Department at Anglia Ruskin University, and Dr Frantisek Pluhacek from Palacky University, beginning in 2007. The two departments have agreed an Erasmus Teacher Mobility Exchange, which has already lead to visits to the UK by two staff from palacky University and a visit to the Czech Republic by Dr Siderov. More staff will exchange next year. In addition, Dr Siderov has been invited to act as International Consultant in Optometry to the Department of Optics at Palacky University, to assist them in developing their optometry programme. This project which is funded through a European Social Fund award, has the potential to benefit Anglia Ruskin Optometry through the development of joint teaching and learning materials.