Doctors of Optometry Travel Grant
In this article we will be showing you how to apply for Doctors of optometry grants, how to apply and what you need to know but for the sake of those who don’t who they are called optometry, here is a brief details about them.
About Doctors of Optometry
Optometrists, often known as doctors of optometry, are the pioneers in the field of eye and vision care. Optometrists are recognized as physicians by Medicare and are crucial members of the medical community. They examine, characterize, oversee, and manage eye conditions.
The two main subgroups of ophthalmologists are ophthalmologists and optometrists. Are you unsure of who is responsible for what tasks? Here are some examples of how they differ. Keep in mind that these professionals can work together and that a team approach to eye care may be the best option.
Ophthalmologist: Eye Surgery and Medical Care
They went to medical school. After that, they had a three-year residency and a one-year internship. The next step could be a one- to two-year fellowship.
They provide full-service eye care:
• Vision services, such as eye examinations
• Surgical eye care — for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other issues; • Medical eye care — for disorders such glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
• Plastic surgery to lift sagging eyelids or reduce wrinkles; • Diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders linked to other illnesses, such as diabetes or arthritis
Optometrist (OD): Vision Care and Eye Care Services
Optometrists handle the majority of the eye’s basic medical needs. After four years in a professional program following college, they pursued a doctor of optometry. After graduating from optometry school, some optometrists pursue extra clinical training or do a speciality fellowship. They concentrate on routine eye care and do the following:
• Conduct eye exams and vision tests;
• Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses;
• Track medically related eye conditions linked to diseases like diabetes;
• Manage and treat conditions like Dry Eye and g offer low-vision aids and vision rehabilitation; and laucoma.
To meet your needs, ophthalmologists and optometrists frequently work together.
Eye doctor: Glasses and contact lenses
Opticians are not qualified to do eye exams because they are not eye doctors. A certificate, diploma, or 1- or 2-year degree is awarded to them. They fulfill your eye doctor’s prescription.
They also:
- Verify prescriptions for lenses
• Take facial measurements
• Offer, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses
• Assist in determining the optimum lenses and frames
• Place orders for and inspect products, such as contact lenses and eyeglasses.
How to Choose an Eye Doctor
Not always; one kind is better than the other. Your needs will determine the best choice. Your best option for an eye doctor is:
- Suggested by your physician, friends, or relatives
- A dependable and likeable person
A helpful generalization would be:
- You might want to start with an optometrist for primary eye care. If necessary, they may then recommend you to an ophthalmologist. • If you believe you require eye surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, or another eye condition, a qualified ophthalmologist would be an excellent place to start.
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION
To enhance diversity and fairness within the optometric profession for future generations, the AOA and the AOSA established the Opportunities in Optometry grant program in 2021, with funding provided by Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation. Since the program’s inception, 40 awards worth a combined $1,500 have been given to students getting ready to enroll in optometry school, including eight grants decided by a committee in 2022. The funds are made possible by the kind support of EssilorLuxottica as well as donations from the AOA, AOSA, and professionals in the field.
Opportunities in Optometry grants are the result of the efforts of the AOA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force and the AOSA Diversity Project Team. They represent a concerted effort to increase access to primary eye care nationwide while also fostering diversity, equity, and professional leadership in the optometry field. In fact, as she applies to optometry schools, grant recipient Alicia Pedrera Perez’s personal goal for 2022 is the latter.
As a future optometrist, Perez says, “One of my main objectives will be to continually focus on the awareness of vision care, especially in the Latino community and because there is not a tradition in my home country of screening and taking care of eyesight from an early age.”
The award recipients for 2022 consist of:
- Alexandia Vital, Florida, University of Central Florida
- Alicia Pedrera Perez, Florida, Miami-Dade College
- Edesthele Decius, Florida, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Ivie Osazuwa, Georgia, Georgia State University
- Kyrah Odudu, Maryland, University of Maryland Global Campus
- Lamar Goodwine, Washington, D.C., Penn State University
- Therrin Wilson, Tennessee, University of Tennessee
- Yoloni McFarland, Louisiana, Louisiana State University
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION TRAVEL GRANTS
With 3,000 travel scholarships available, the AOA and AOSA are dedicated to supporting optometry students, faculty members, and new doctors up to five years after graduation attend AOA+ in Washington, D.C., June 21–24, 2023. The following provides more details about these travel awards and the requirements for eligibility.
AOA+ New Doctor Travel Grants
Both AOA members and non-members who received their optometry degrees between 2018 and 2022 are eligible to apply for an AOA+ new doctor travel grant to help with the expense of attending and flying to Washington, D.C., for the AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting.
What is covered by the trip grant?
Doctors of optometry who qualify may receive a $500 travel grant and a 50% registration discount for the Optometry’s Meeting.
Grants for AOA+ Educator Travel
To help with the cost of attending and traveling to Washington, D.C. for the AOA+ at Optometry’s Meeting, full-time optometric educators and faculty at schools and colleges of optometry who are primarily engaged in school-related activities (e.g., teaching, research, and administration) are eligible to receive AOA+ educator travel grants.
What is covered by the trip grant?
A $500 travel grant and a 50% registration discount are available to educators for the Optometry’s Meeting.
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AOA+ Grants for Student Travel
Depending on the region in which their school is situated, students will receive a regional travel stipend in the amount of $200, $300, or $400. Additionally, students will get three nights free lodging in the AOA housing block for the Optometry Meeting’s Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday—a savings of over $1,000. By March 31st, students will be required to submit their housing details.
How are the travel funds for students chosen?
The nation’s optometry schools and colleges have been divided into three zones. The amount of each student’s travel allowance is based on where they attend school. Check out the groups below.
| Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry | West |
| Pacific University, College of Optometry | West |
| SCCO at Marshall B. Ketchum University | West |
| University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry | West |
| Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry | West |
| MCPHS University School of Optometry | East |
| New England College of Optometry | East |
| NOVA Southeastern University, College of Optometry | East |
| Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus Univ. | East |
| State University of New York College of Optometry | East |
| The Ohio State University College of Optometry | East |
| University of Montreal, Ecole D Optometrie | East |
| University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science | East |
| Ferris State Univ. Michigan College of Optometry | Central |
| Illinois College of Optometry | Central |
| Indiana University, School of Optometry | Central |
| Inter American Univ. of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry | Central |
| Midwestern University, Chicago College of Optometry | Central |
| Northeastern State Univ Oklahoma College of Optometry | Central |
| Southern College of Optometry | Central |
| Univ. of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry | Central |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry | Central |
| University of Houston, College of Optometry | Central |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Optometry | Central |
| University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry | Central |
Frequently asked questions
When may I submit a grant application?
To be eligible for an AOA+ travel award, qualifying physicians of optometry, students, and faculty members must register for Optometry’s Meeting before March 1, 2023. The registration period for the Optometry’s Meeting will begin in January 2023, and funding will be distributed according to the registration order. First-come, first-served policy will apply to the distribution of AOA+ travel funds.
When registration for Optometry’s Meeting begins, please sign up for early notification below to receive a prompt email alert.
Are there prerequisites to qualify for a travel grant?
Yes, attendees who wish to apply for an AOA+ travel grant must attend a number of necessary sessions or lectures during the Optometry’s Meeting. The following events/courses are mandatory for students to attend, whereas new doctors and educators must attend all events/courses unless otherwise specified, including:
- Wednesday, June 21: AOA+ Rally.
- Affiliate Connections, June 21 (Wednesday). (New physician/educator suggested)
Wednesday, June 21: The AOA Experience.
- The EssilorLuxottica-powered AOSA Optometry Student BowlTM XXXII will take place on June 22.
- AOA+ Advocacy Workshop, June 23rd, Friday.
- On June 23, a career fair and residency summit will be held. (New physician/educator suggested)
- The 23rd of June is the Day of Optometry.
- Participation in six (6) AOA+ Recommended Courses, varying times.
Attendees must scan in to these events with their Optometry’s Meeting badge in order to be eligible for an AOA+ travel award. A record of attendance and eligibility will be preserved.
When will my travel grant arrive?
After the Optometry’s Meeting, travel grants will be given out to participants who have satisfied the necessary requirements. A code will be issued to qualified optometrists so they can register at a discounted rate.
To be the first to know when registration for the Optometry Meeting opens in January 2023, sign up for early notice. When our lodging and registration portals open for our meeting in Washington, D.C., June 21–24, you’ll be among the first to know. SIGN UP HERE
Doctors of Optometry Travel Grant
