The 2026 scholarship application window has closed. Winners were contacted and announced in January 2026. Applications for the next round will open in August 2026.
Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship
AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant Program
Student of the Year Award
The AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION recognizes Optometry students in their third or fourth year of school who show leadership skills when serving their profession, their patients, and their community.
Scholarships for Optometry Students
Professional school is expensive. Below you will find a (non-exhaustive) list of scholarships available to optometry students, which can help defray some of the costs.
Additionally, members are encouraged to do their own research for other scholarships for optometry students, including reviewing your own school’s opportunities.
AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant Program
For underrepresented minorities interested in applying to optometry school 
- Multiple grants of $1,500 each will be awarded
The AOA and AOSA have made a commitment to pave a path toward a broader and more diverse profession. The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program is a sustained effort to encourage under-represented minorities to join the family of optometry and expand access to primary eye care across the nation.
These funds can be used to help defray costs associated with applying to optometry school, such as:
- OAT exam
- school application costs
- professional attire or travel costs associated with interviews
See sidebar for additional information.
Multiple grants of $1,500 each will be awarded annually to students who are chosen by the selection committee. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered by the selection committee. The Opportunities in Optometry application deadlines are April 1, July 1, and November 1, 2026. Please give us up to 60 days after the deadline to review applications and inform you if you are a grant recipient. Note that if you apply in between deadlines that we will not begin reviewing applications until the next posted deadline (4/1, 7/1, or 11/1), so allow 60 days after the nearest deadline before reaching out about your application status. If you have questions on the application, please reach out to the Optometry Cares Program Manager, Molly Brown, at mbrown@aoa.org.
Application Deadlines: April 1, July 1, November 1.
This program is supported by The AOA Foundation – Optometry Cares
