Academy Student Travel Fellowships
In order to promote its research goals and support young researchers, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) provide student travel fellowships (STF). These are designed to encourage optometry students to attend key national meetings and exchange scientific ideas and research.
Each year a limited number of $750 travel fellowships are awarded to students wishing to attend the Academy’s annual meeting. Students are selected primarily for accomplishment and potential in optometric research and education. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. To be eligible, applicants MUST be a student member of AAO and have an abstract accepted for Academy 2023 New Orleans.
It is the standard policy of the Academy that recipients who receive a travel stipend to attend an event cannot receive a second or duplicate travel stipend for the same event from the Academy or its affiliate, the Foundation.
While students do not apply for a specific Academy student travel fellowships, reviewers place the most weight on the primary criteria specified for each fellowship when evaluating applications.
Application Requirements
- Submission of a one-page statement which includes:
- Details of commitment and interest in optometric research and/or education
- Short- and long-term career goals
- Previous research training talks, papers, posters, and plans for a career in research and/or education
- Demonstration of current and potential self-motivation, independence, and leadership
- Summary of academic training, including honors
- Copy of the abstract of the paper or poster that has been accepted
- Recommendation letter from faculty to be submitted by July 21, 2023.
The submission window opens June 22 and closes July 21, 2023.
An email will be sent to the faculty recommender once the applicant submits their application to the Academy. The recommender’s letter must be uploaded to LINK.
Student Travel Fellowship applications are evaluated by the Academy’s Research Committee, Scientific Program Committee, and Membership Committee. Applicants will be notified of the committees’ decision prior to the meeting the applicant wishes to attend.
STFs are awarded based on availability. Although students may apply to attend a meeting for which they have previously been awarded a travel fellowship, priority may be given to first-time awardees. However, previous winners are encouraged to apply for an STF to a meeting they have not attended (either AAO or ARVO).
To receive their STF check, winners MUST attend the Academy’s annual meeting plus the Student/Resident Awards Lunch. American Academy of Optometry Foundation STFs will be awarded at the Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
Student Fellowship Travel Opportunities
These travel grants are intended to increase American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) student membership and participation; create a climate of giving back to the profession: and promote involvement in American Academy of Optometry (AAO) chapters at North-American schools and colleges of optometry by attending the Academy’s annual meeting.
Note: All award recipients by application/nomination and acceptance of an award agree to allow the AAOF and/or the sponsor of the award to which they applied to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These may appear in a variety of media formats that will announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AAOF/AAO and/or sponsor annual report, website, social media, annual meeting promotional materials or press release.
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
AAO Student Travel Fellowship
Awarded to candidates primarily for accomplishment or potential in optometric or vision research. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. One letter of recommendation is required. Applicants must have had an abstract accepted as a first presenter/author of a scientific paper or poster.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
American Academy of Optometry Foundation Student Giving Matching Travel Grants
Students are challenged to raise $750 through fundraising initiatives and/or gifts from fellow students. The AAOF will then match that amount, so the AAO student chapter is able to award two travel fellowships for the Academy’s next annual meeting.
Students should work in consultation with their institution’s AAO student chapter liaison. Students cannot petition or ask the institution, faculty or industry to provide the funds.
Along with the School/College Awards Committee and/or faculty adviser, the student chapter will determine which two students are awarded travel fellowships. Regardless of the individual amount donated, recipients must be selected by a fair process open to all qualified chapter members.
Guidelines
- Finalists must be student members of AAO
- Institutions and industry are prohibited from contributing
- Students should donate only what they personally can afford
Implementation
Create a plan and set goals to have each member of the chapter participate. Fundraising ideas include:
- Issue a challenge to students via social media and/or email
- Have a class-to-class challenge
- Bake or food sales
- Car washes
- Selling eyeglass lapel pins
- Raffling an opportunity to have a lunch with the institution’s leader
- Candy-gram sales
Next Steps
Student chapters will collect the funds and write one $750 check to the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. Mail to: AAOF/Attention: Sarah Kidd, 622 E. Washington Street, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32801.
Additionally, a completed SGM Form 2023 should be sent via email to AAOAwards@aaoptom.org with the subject line: Student Giving + Institution Name.
To receive their funds, winners MUST attend the Academy’s annual meeting and will be recognized at the Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Travel funds will be made out directly to the student. A W-9 form (or W-8BEN form if recipient is a non-U.S. resident) must be submitted or on file at the AAO office prior to release of any travel funds.
Arizona Chapter Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be an optometry student at Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry and have been selected to present a paper or poster at the upcoming Academy meeting. One letter of recommendation and a one-page statement are required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 1, 2023.
Bence Family Leadership Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be a third- or fourth-year optometry student at an ACOE-accredited optometry school and a current member of the Academy. Candidates must submit a 500-word essay describing any leadership experience they have acquired to date and outline how they plan to use this experience in future leadership roles in the profession and in their practice and community. Two letters of recommendation are required from Fellows in good standing with at least one being a faculty member at their school. The awardee is funded to attend the Principles of Effective Leadership I course during the annual meeting. Attendance is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Beta Sigma Kappa (BSK) Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be currently in their second, third or fourth year of optometry school. Applicants must be a current member of BSK and submit an essay that is between 300 and 500 words. Selection as a presenter of a scientific paper or poster is desired but not required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Brazelton Low Vision Student Travel Fellowship
Awarded to a student primarily for accomplishment or potential in optometric Low Vision research. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. One letter of recommendation is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Brett G. Bence Clinical Student Travel Fellowship
Eligible candidates include third- or fourth-year optometry students or residents from the University of Houston College of Optometry. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. Must be a student or resident member of the Academy and the first presenter of an accepted scientific paper or poster. A letter of recommendation is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Edward I. Goodlaw Travel Fellowship
Awarded to an optometry student or resident for their work in the field of Low Vision. If an appropriate application is not received in Low Vision in a particular year, an optometry student or resident in the field of Contact Lenses will be considered. One letter of recommendation is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Elmer H. Eger Memorial Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be a third- or fourth-year student whose professional goal is to be in private practice. A one-page statement about why the candidate is pursuing a career in private practice is required. Only selected schools in the current year rotation may apply. No abstract required.
Submission window June 22 – July 21, 2023.
No individual applications (school selected)
Frank W. Weymouth Student Travel Fellowship
Eligible candidates include optometry, vision science students, and graduate students. Two STFs are awarded primarily for accomplishments or potential in optometric or vision research. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. One letter of recommendation is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Irvin M. Borish Student Travel Fellowship
Eligible candidates include students, residents, and graduate students. Two STFs are awarded primarily for accomplishment or potential in optometric or vision research. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. Applicants must have had an abstract accepted as a first presenter/author of a scientific paper or poster. One letter of recommendation is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Kirschen Family Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be a third- or fourth-year student whose professional goal is pursuing a career in private practice. Applicants must be a current member of AAO. Candidates must submit a one-page statement. Selection as a presenter of a scientific paper or a poster is desired but not required. One letter of recommendation is required.
Application Window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Lois Schoenbrun Student Travel Fellowship
Candidates must be a third- or fourth-year student or resident with plans to pursue a career in private practice and also be a member of the Academy. Requirements are one letter of recommendation from a faculty member; a one-page, 500-word explanation about why they have chosen private practice; and a description of any acquired experiences enabling them to contribute to a future leadership role in the profession. The awardee is required to attend the Principles of Effective Leadership I course at the Academy’s annual meeting the year the award is received. The registration fee for the course is included in the travel fellowship.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Luxottica Student Travel Fellowship
Open to third- and fourth-year students at an accredited school or college of optometry in North America. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be a member of the Academy. Presentation of a paper or poster at the Academy annual meeting is desired but not required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Michael G. Harris Student Travel Fellowship
Awarded to the current President of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) in recognition of their outstanding promise to the profession of optometry as evidenced by their leadership. The grant will be presented by the AAO for expenses related to attendance at the Academy’s annual meeting.
Submission window: N/A
N. Rex Ghormley Student Travel Fellowship
The fellowship will be awarded to an optometry student for accomplishment and potential in optometric research and education. Academic abilities, including clinical abilities if relevant, are considered. Selection as a presenter of a scientific paper or a poster is required. One letter of recommendation also is required.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
NJAO Chapter Student Travel Fellowship Grant
Must be a student or resident with an accepted abstract in the Academy Scientific Program. May be asked to present paper or poster at the NJAO chapter meeting. Preference is given to permanent residents of the state of New Jersey.
Submission window: June 22 – July 21, 2023.
Recognition Awards
Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics
The Julius F. Neumueller Award in Optics is offered to any student pursuing the Doctor of Optometry degree in a school or college of optometry. The nominee must submit a paper written in English not to exceed 3000 words on one of the following topics:
- Geometrical Optics
- Physical Optics
- Ophthalmic Optics
- Optics of the Eye
An award of $750 will be presented to the primary author for travel to the Academy’s annual meeting. If other authors were also pursuing the Doctor of Optometry degree while conducting the research, multiple awardees may divide a total travel award of $1,500.
Submission Window: April 1, 2023
Nominations should be emailed to Helen Viksnins at HelenV@aaoptom.org
Scholarships
The following scholarships and travel grants are made possible by the generous funding of the listed sponsor. Recipients are selected by their college or university.
Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care
Sponsored by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson Vision each year, this $500 award is given to recognize outstanding fourth-year student clinicians who have demonstrated excellence in contact lens patient care during their optometric education. There is one award per year for each school/college of optometry.
Submissions will close at 5pm on April 17, 2023.
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
J. Pat Cummings Scholarship
This award sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision of $1, 000 is bestowed annually to second or third-year students at each of the North American Schools and colleges of optometry, who best demonstrates the ideal eye care standards of practice, achievement in both academic performance and extra-curricular activities, and participation with other professional pursuits such as involvement with patients through internships, community service, and other volunteer activities.
The appropriate award selection committee at each of the schools/colleges of optometry will select the one student who meets the eligibility requirements and best demonstrates the qualities detailed in the above criteria. The AAOF will not accept applications directly from students.
The applicant must be a member of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). To learn more, visit the AAO website: www.aaopt.org/student for membership information.
Completed nomination form should be submitted by the institution and sent via email to: AAOAwards@aaoptom.org with the subject line: “Cummings Scholarship-Institution name”.
Application window: July 15 – September 15, 2023
Questions
Please contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
VSP and AAOF Practice Excellence Scholarship
VSP Global® has partnered with the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) to provide scholarships for optometry students at every school and college of optometry in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The scholarships are funded through the VSP Global Eyes of Hope® Global Charitable Fund and administered by the AAOF. Each scholarship carries $3,250 in scholarship money and a $750 travel grant to attend the Academy’s annual meeting.
Application window: June 1, 2023 – July 3, 2023 at 5pm
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship recipients must be a student member of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Information for membership can be found on the AAO website at: https://bit.ly/3BHWW53
Each institution’s Awards and Scholarship committee is tasked with selecting a pool of five business-minded students who meet the clinical and academic standards below and then choose two scholarship recipients.
CRITERIA:
Demonstrated excellence
- Clinical Performance: Candidates must excel in delivering primary eye care services to clinical patients. • Academic Performance: Candidates must have a grade point average that ranks in the top half of the class.
Independent practice of optometry
- Student should have a commitment to enter the independent practice of optometry.
- Participation in the private practice or practice management club on campus recommended with special consideration given to students who have served a leadership role.
- At the discretion of the selection committee, the selection process may include a written essay that encompasses the independent practice goals of the applicant.
PROGRAM NOTES
The VSP/AAOF Practice Excellence Scholarship Program will be based on the above performance criteria only. Recipients shall not be restricted from receiving this scholarship as a result of receiving other awards, scholarships or grants-in-aid.
Per policy of the AAO/AAOF, the recipient of this scholarship will not be eligible to receive any additionally offered travel fellowship from the AAO or AAOF in the same year 4 VSP and the AAOF will follow the career choices of scholarship recipients to determine the value of this substantial investment. Each institution will be strongly encouraged to carefully follow the criteria and consider their selections to ensure this scholarship program continues in future years.
SELECTION DEADLINE
Deadline for submission of each institution’s nominations is July 14, 2023.
Each institution is to provide the AAOF with the name of the two student recipients and his/her contact email along with the institution contact name and date of any planned institution internal awards ceremony by deadline.
Some VSP scholarships at previously determined institutions are named memorial scholarships. Those honors will continue to be attached to the scholarships and should be designated with the institution’s submission.
An institution IRS form W9 must be submitted or be confirmed on file with the AAOF prior to award processing.
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
VSP and AAOF Canadian Practice Excellence Scholarships
VSP Global ® has joined forces with the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) to provide scholarships to optometry students at two schools of optometry in Canada. Each scholarship carries $2,000 in scholarship money and a $750 travel grant to attend the Academy meeting.
Application window: June 1, 2023 – July 3, 2023 at 5pm
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship recipients must be a student member of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO).
Information for membership can be found on the AAO website at: https://bit.ly/3BHWW53
Each institution’s Awards and Scholarship committee is tasked with selecting a pool of five business-minded students who meet the clinical and academic standards below and then choose two scholarship recipients.
CRITERIA:
Demonstrated excellence
- Clinical Performance: Candidates must excel in delivering primary eye care services to clinical patients. • Academic Performance: Candidates must have a grade point average that ranks in the top half of the class.
Independent practice of optometry
- Student should have a commitment to enter the independent practice of optometry.
- Participation in the private practice or practice management club on campus recommended with special consideration given to students who have served a leadership role.
- At the discretion of the selection committee, the selection process may include a written essay that encompasses the independent practice goals of the applicant.
PROGRAM NOTES
The VSP/AAOF Practice Excellence Scholarship Program will be based on the above performance criteria only. Recipients shall not be restricted from receiving this scholarship as a result of receiving other awards, scholarships or grants-in-aid.
Per policy of the AAO/AAOF, the recipient of this scholarship will not be eligible to receive any additionally offered travel fellowship from the AAO or AAOF in the same year 4 VSP and the AAOF will follow the career choices of scholarship recipients to determine the value of this substantial investment. Each institution will be strongly encouraged to carefully follow the criteria and consider their selections to ensure this scholarship program continues in future years.
SELECTION DEADLINE
Deadline for submission of each institution’s nominations is July 14, 2023.
Each institution is to provide the AAOF with the name of the two student recipients and his/her contact email along with the institution contact name and date of any planned institution internal awards ceremony by deadline.
Some VSP scholarships at previously determined institutions are named memorial scholarships. Those honors will continue to be attached to the scholarships and should be designated with the institution’s submission.
An institution IRS form W9 must be submitted or be confirmed on file with the AAOF prior to award processing.
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
Vincent Salierno Scholarship
This scholarship was initiated in 1973 by Vincent Salierno to assist exceptional student who have are experiencing a financial hardship and, as such, would have difficulty meeting the financial requirements of attending optometry school. Financial need and academic excellence is a major criterion for selection.
First, second, third, and fourth year students pursuing a Doctorate of Optometry degree are eligible and will be nominated by his/her institution for this scholarship. They must also have a 3.0 (“B”) average for all course work taken thus far in optometry school. The Vincent Salierno scholarship is eligible for automatic renewal provided that the recipient maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year. Continuing eligibility shall be determined annually.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicant must be an Academy member
- Applicant must be pursuing a Doctorate of Optometry degree
- Applicant must have financial need
- Must have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA (unofficial transcripts are accepted but an official transcript is preferred)
Eligible students should contact the Awards Chair at your school if you are interested in applying.
PROGRAM NOTES
The Foundation informs the schools designated for the current year’s program cycle that it they are eligible to nominate a candidates. One student will be chosen by the appropriate scholarship and awards committee of the selected school, using their own judgment based on the criteria stated.
All award recipients by application and acceptance of an award agree to allow the Foundation and/or the sponsor of the program to which they applied to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These will appear in a variety of media formats that will announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AOF and/or sponsor annual report, website, annual meeting promotional materials.
2022 Rotation Schedule
The following rotation cycle may be altered by the AAOF Board of Directors:
Southern California College of Optometry
University of Houston College of Optometry
New England College of Optometry
Pacific University School of Optometry
Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry – eligible to retain in 2022
Rosenberg School of Optometry – eligible in 2022
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry – eligible in 2022
University of Waterloo School of Optometry eligible in 2022
Indiana University School of Optometry eligible in 2022
University of Montreal School of Optometry
University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
State University of New York College of Optometry
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
Inter-American University School of Optometry
University of Missouri College of Optometry
Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
Illinois College of Optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Salus University
Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry
NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry
Southern College of Optometry
University of Pikevile Kentucky College of Optometry
Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidd, Manager, Awards and Donor Relations if you have any questions about this award.
| Award | Sponsor | Amount | Submission Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care | Johnson & Johnson Vision | $500 educational grant | February 2, 2022, through April 1, 2022 |
| J. Pat Cummings Scholarship | July 15, 2022, through September 15, 2022 | ||
| VSP and AAOF Canadian Practice Excellence Scholarships | VSP Global/Eyes of Hope Global Charitable Fund | $2,000 scholarship plus $750 travel grant | July 15, 2022, through August 15, 2022 |
| VSP and AAOF Practice Excellence Scholarship | VSP Global/Eyes of Hope Global Charitable Fund | $3,250 scholarship plus $750 travel grant | July 15, 2022, through August 15, 2022 |
