Opening Your Eyes Scholarship

The Vision Council Foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing an associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing at accredited opticianry schools.

Geographic Scope: United States (16 participating schools across multiple states)

Focus Areas: Education and career training in opticianry/ophthalmic dispensing

Award Details:

• Base Award: $6,000 per year
• Additional Support: Reimbursement of certification and state exam fees
• Post-Graduation Benefits:
  • Free registration at Vision Expo East and West
  • Discounted continuing education at Vision Expo
  • Complimentary membership to industry opticianry organizations
• Renewability: Scholarships are renewable each year upon successful completion of all course work

Eligible Institutions (16 Participating UOA Member Schools):

• Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (MA)
• Broward College (FL)
• Camden County College (NJ)
• College of Southern Nevada (NV)
• Durham Technical Community College (NC)
• Erie Community College (NY)
• Essex County College (NJ)
• Georgia Piedmont Community College (GA)
• Hillsborough Community College (FL)
• Miami Dade College (FL)
• CT State Community College – Middlesex (CT)
• New York City College of Technology (NY)
• Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)
• Reynolds Community College (VA)
• Roane State Community College (TN)
• Southwestern Community College (NC)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be interested in pursuing an associate degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing
• Must be enrolled at a participating UOA member institution

How to Apply

1. Identify your participating school from the 16 UOA member institutions listed
2. Contact your school's financial aid office or scholarship department for application details
3. Submit scholarship application through your school's website - The Vision Council Foundation partners with schools to administer scholarships
4. Selection: Scholarship recipients are selected through each participating school's foundation/selection process

Note: Application procedures and timelines may vary by institution. Students should contact their school's financial aid office directly for specific deadlines and requirements.