Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship
Funding Amount
$4,250 scholarship plus $750 travel grant
Deadline
December 31, 2026
233 days left
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship
Funder: Heart of America Eye Care Congress in collaboration with VSP Vision
Award Amount: $4,250 scholarship plus $750 travel grant to attend the Heart of America Eye Care Congress in February 2027
Program Focus: Honors the legacy of Dr. Frank D. Fontana, a pioneering St. Louis optometrist who practiced for nearly 70 years and was known as "Uncle Frank" for his mentorship and advocacy throughout the optometric profession.
- Recipient must attend the Heart of America Eye Care Congress in February 2027 to receive the scholarship and travel grant
- One optometry student awarded annually
Key Requirements
- Served as mentor and advocate for countless optometric educators and future leaders
- Was a pioneer in contact lens technology, training colleagues throughout the U.S.
- Founded the Contact Lens & Cornea Section of the American Optometric Association (AOA)
- Co-founded the Heart of America Contact Lens Society
- Held leadership positions in the Missouri Optometric Association and AOA
- Graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 1949
- Practiced in St. Louis from 1950 until his death in October 2018 at age 96
- Served in World War II (35 months in Army, 28 stationed in Europe)
- Educated under the G.I. Bill
About Dr. Frank D. Fontana
Dr. Fontana (1922-2018) was an internationally recognized optometrist who:Geographic Scope
Eligible Residency Areas: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and NebraskaOR: Students enrolled at University of Missouri College of Optometry or Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (regardless of residency)
- Must be a third or fourth year optometry student in good standing
- Must be attending any school or college of optometry
- Must have residency from one of the five Heart of America Eye Care Congress member states (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska)
- OR provide proof of enrollment at University of Missouri College of Optometry or Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
- Must attend Heart of America Eye Care Congress to receive the scholarship and travel grant
Eligibility Criteria
Contact
Email: president@hoaecc.orgHow to Apply
Application Process
1. Submit a 1,500-word written essay addressing how you demonstrate the four professional characteristics at which Dr. Fontana excelled:
- Clinical performance
- Empathetic patient care
- Ability and interest to adopt technology
- Strong interest in developing/participating in the OD community
2. Provide two letters of recommendation from faculty demonstrating how you display the above characteristics
- At least one letter must be from the applicant's clinical faculty
3. Email all materials to: president@hoaecc.org
- 1,500-word essay
- Two letters of recommendation (minimum one from clinical faculty)
Required Materials
Deadline
December 31, 2026Ready to apply for Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship?
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