AAO Now Accepting Applications for 2025 OD to PhD Scholarship Program

AAO Now Accepting Applications for 2025 OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is pleased to award up to five OD to PhD Fellowships in 2025, each being a $45,000 award payable over two years. The application process is highly competitive. Read on for a brief overview of eligibility and application requirements, and visit our website for comprehensive details.

The application window will be open through February 1, 2025.

Apply Here

Eligibility Requirements

This fellowship is congruent with enrollment in a vision or related biomedical science PhD program. Awardees will receive $22,500 (US dollars) upon beginning their first year of training, and if they demonstrate sufficient success during the initial year (as described within their progress report, see below), they will receive an additional $22,500 (US dollars) upon beginning their second year of training. 

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. Previous recipients of the fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must:

• Have completed or in the process of completing clinical training leading to an optometry degree. Although not required, 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 to pursue training in vision science or other related biomedical sciences.
• Note: Those who have already started a graduate PhD program are not eligible.

Funding is not awarded until the awardee has started their PhD training at the institution and must have already obtained an optometry degree. Note the awardee may have already been in optometric practice and returning to a graduate PhD program, in a current MS program, or may be coming directly from a degree-granting optometric program.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following:

• NIH Biosketch (PDF)
• Link to Scopus Profile
• A personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation (2-page maximum each) from qualified persons commenting on your educational qualifications (background and training) in addition to your accomplishments and potential in the areas of research and teaching.

**Please note, a notification will be sent to the “recommender” with instructions on how to upload the letter once your application has been submitted** 

Following award notification, but prior to the distribution of any funds to the institution, the AAOF must be provided a letter from an authorized individual (e.g,. Dean, Associate Dean) at the graduate training institution (a) describing the applicant’s program of study (e.g., PhD in vision science), (b) confirming acceptance to the program and start date, (c) confirming the applicant has started the program.

Please visit our website for additional detail regarding eligibility, application requirements, and other details about this award.