Beta Sigma Kappa, an international optometric honor society, awards annual research grants to students working on academic projects in clinical optometry, public health or visual science. Each award is in the amount of $1,000, as of 2010. Individual or research teams may apply for funding. The two top researchers or teams receive an additional $1,000 for their projects. Applications must include a detailed outline of the project and a budget. A faculty adviser must approve the project and be assigned to oversee its completion. In 2010, four individuals received research grants.
Beta Sigma Kappa Central World Council
4311 SE Illinois Avenue
Topeka, KS 66609
785-640-3026
betasigmakappa.net
The American Optometric Foundation administers an optometric research grant program sponsored by VISTAKON, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. Two awards are given each year. As of 2010, a $25,000 award is given to researchers in optometry and vision science. A $10,000 award is given to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Applications must include references, a detailed outline of the project, a budget and a biographical sketch.
American Optometric Foundation
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 506
Rockville, MD 20852
301-984-4734
aaopt.org
Several pharmaceutical companies and organizations are sponsors of travel grants to the annual Optometry's Meeting, an industry gathering that takes place each summer. It is a joint event of the American Optometric Student Association and the American Optometric Association. Allergan, HOYA Vision Care, the American Optometric Association, Varilux and the Vision Care Institute are the sponsors of the grants. Eligibility criteria vary for each award. Individual amounts range from $595 to $1,000, as of 2010. Guidelines and applications can be downloaded from the Optometry's Meeting website.
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
800-365-2219
optometrysmeeting.org
Beta Sigma Kappa and the World Council of Optometry jointly sponsor a travel award for international optometry students to present a paper or poster at the American Academy of Optometry conference. As of 2007, full-time or post-graduate international students are eligible for the $1,000 grant. Students must include their acceptance confirmation to present their project at the conference in their application.
Beta Sigma Kappa/World Council of Optometry Travel Fellowship
4311 SE Illinois Avenue
Topeka, KS 66609
785-640-3026
betasigmakappa.net