PARIS, France and WINTER PARK, Fla.—The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF), which provides financial support for optometric research and vision and eye health education, has announced a recent $300,000 donation from EssilorLuxottica to help support the foundation’s OD/PhD Scholarship Program. The contribution, announced at AAOF’s Celebration Luncheon on November 9, will support optometrists pursuing their PhD in a vision science field, the announcement noted. The program encourages ODs to pursue a PhD in a vision science field such as physiological optics, biomedical sciences, public health or neuroscience, and supports the continued need for educators for the next generation of optometrists and researchers. The new awards will be offered as the result of the recent contribution from EssilorLuxottica, the organization stated, which will allow for up to five $45,000 OD/PhD scholarships ($22,500 per year for two years).

“As president of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, I am pleased to announce the launch of five new OD/PhD fellowships,” said AAOF president, Dr. Rachel A. (Stacey) Coulter. “The fellowships are designed to support the next generation of leaders in optometry and vision science, and to provide them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to drive impactful change in their fields. This investment is essential to support a vibrant future for optometric practice and for our communities and organizations.”

According to the Foundation, the best scholarship candidate must:

 
 (L to R) Dr. Carl Spear, president elect, AAO and chief medical officer for EssilorLuxottica NA; Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of professional solutions, EssilorLuxottica Americas; Dr. Jeff Walline, president, AAO; Dr. Susan Cotter, past president, AAO; Olga Prenat, global head of medical affairs, EssilorLuxottica; and Dr. Andrew Mick, secretary-treasury, AAO.
  
  • Have completed or be in the process of completing clinical training leading to an optometry degree. Although not required, some priority may be given to those with optometry training at a North American school or college of optometry.

  • Plan to enter a full-time PhD-level program located at a North American institution in order to pursue training in vision science or other related biomedical sciences. Those who have already started a graduate PhD program are not eligible. Funding is not awarded until the awardee has started their training at the institution and obtained an OD degree.

  • Outline a plan to pursue a career, which includes research and academic optometry, at a North American school or college of optometry.

  • Focus their research on the study of an innovative area impacting clinical care.
“To ensure the future of optometry, it’s important that we make critical investments in education. We’re proud to support the AAO Foundation in their efforts to ensure the next generation of ODs has the most expansive, richest education surrounding vision care,” said Fabrizio Uguzzoni, president of professional solutions, EssilorLuxottica Americas.

Olga Prenat, global head of medical and professional affairs at EssilorLuxottica, added, “This program is important, and we hope that it will encourage ODs to study for a PhD; thus, allowing to create impact on the future development of optometry by fostering innovation and driving forward research. Academia and researchers have been significantly contributing to eye and vision care not only in the U.S., but also internationally.”

The application process will open in early 2025, according to the Foundation, and interested individuals will be able to apply on the Foundation website.