The AOA Foundation empowers optometry’s future in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, the AOA Foundation has experienced a year of remarkable progress in its mission to support the future of optometry. From providing vital scholarships to fostering diversity through the Opportunities in Optometry program, the Foundation has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by students and future optometrists. 

Equalizing the financial burden  

Extremely high student loan debt is a reality for future optometrists. The AOA Foundation recognizes this challenge and remains steadfast in its mission to provide scholarships and grants to ease the burden, while nurturing the next generation of optometry leaders.  

This year, the AOA Foundation continued its mission of awarding scholarships that honor academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the profession through the following scholarships: 

• Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship: This $2,500 scholarship was established through a bequest from longtime AOA member Seymour Galina, O.D. The scholarship application requires that third-year students identify qualities they developed through either financial planning or work experience that will be useful following graduation.  

• Dr. Larry J. Alexander Scholarship for Education: This $2,500 scholarship honors Larry Alexander, O.D., and his dedication to mentoring and leading the profession. The scholarship application calls for third-year students to describe a moment they served their community and how they plan to contribute to those in need following graduation.  

• Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarship: New in 2024, it includes two $5,000 scholarships (one to a third-year student and one to a fourth-year student) that will be awarded to the creators of the social media plan judged to be the best submitted to the AOA Foundation, in accordance with the criteria.  

The 2025 AOA Foundation scholarship winners will be announced in January 2025. As the AOA Foundation looks toward the future, it is working to increase its scholarship opportunities for students. The 2026 scholarship application will open in September 2025. 

Promoting diversity, equity in optometry 

While financial support is crucial, the AOA Foundation also recognizes the importance of diversity in the profession. According to a 2020 study, only 2% of practicing optometrists and slightly more than 3% of optometry students are Black—a statistic that underscores the need for greater representation. 

To address this gap, the AOA and the American Optometric Student Association created the Opportunities in Optometry grant program—a joint effort to champion diversity and equity in optometry. This initiative provides $1,500 grants to underrepresented minority students to help offset the costs of applying to optometry schools. The program not only reduces financial barriers but also helps students showcase their accomplishments and gain experience navigating competitive application processes. 

“As a first-generation college student, receiving the grant in 2021 became very meaningful to me … this grant made me feel like I did belong in the [optometric] field in the future,” shared Diva Zeckua Barajas, third-year optometry student at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry and California optometric student section chair. “This year, I was invited to become a part of the AOA Opportunities in Optometry Grant Committee as a student member. This has been a full-circle moment and a highlight of my time as an optometry student. Volunteering my time and giving back to this wonderful program has been inspirational, as I can relate to the stories each applicant has.” 

The Opportunities in Optometry grant application will open Jan. 6, 2025, and the deadline will be July 1, 2025. 

Supporting independent practice dreams 

In 2023, the AOA Foundation, through its collaboration with the Professional Eyecare Resource Co-Operative Alliance (PERC), introduced the Golden Opportunity Award, honoring the legacy of David Golden, O.D., a passionate advocate for small-business success. The award provides $50,000 to up to three deserving optometrists annually, supporting their dream of owning an independent practice. 

The program prioritizes applicants from underrepresented communities or those seeking to serve underserved populations. Winners will be announced during Optometry’s Meeting® in June, ensuring Dr. Golden’s uplifting spirit continues to empower future leaders in independent optometry. 

In 2024, the Golden Opportunity Award was given to three doctors to support their dream of launching an independent practice. The honorees included: 

• Alyssa Putman, O.D., of Elmira, New York 
• Melissa Macco, O.D., of Reno, Nevada
• Rebecca Chown, O.D., of Hood River, Oregon 

Applications are currently open and close on Jan. 15, 2025.