Pediatric Pilot Grant

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025-26 Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant. This $10,000 grant aims to support mid-career optometrists in conducting pilot research that fosters new collaborations and innovative projects in pediatric optometry. Eligible candidates must be Fellows of the Academy and demonstrate a commitment to advancing pediatric research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation
The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.
The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).
For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.
Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.
Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant Program
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant Program. The program awards a $10,000 grant to enable mid-career clinicians to collect pilot data and compete for increased funding in pediatric research.
The AAOF sought to address two gaps in clinical research funding by funding pilot research projects:

1. the development of new collaborations with research partners, and 2) stimulation of novel exploratory research. Dr. Allison Summers answered this call by developing and financially supporting the Pediatric Pilot Grant Program. Recognizing the need for mid-career clinicians in institutional settings to have more access to funding and opportunities as she progressed through her career, Allison Summers, OD, MCR, FAAO, generously proposed and backed this award since 2021.

Eligibility

The applicant criteria include:
Must be a Fellow of the American Academy of OptometryA practicing optometrist with direct patient care in a non-optometry school academic or institutional settingMid-career (preferably)The Proposed Research Plan must include:

• pediatric optometric project focusmentorship plan
• You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.