Latinos en Optometry is pleased to provide the following helpful resources.
The Association of Schools & Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the academic leadership organization committed to advancing optometric education and research to enhance the health and well-being of the public. Since 1941, ASCO has pursued this mission by representing the interests of institutions of optometric education and by enhancing the efforts of these institutions as they prepare highly qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry in order to best serve the public’s eye and vision needs. Their website offers a wide variety of information and resources for future and current Optometry students.
Click here for a listing of pre-Optometry clubs at schools across the country.
AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program
To promote inclusion in the optometric profession for generations to come, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) have created the AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program. This fund is designed as a one-time stipend for under-represented minority students interested in the field of optometry to help defray the costs associated with applying to optometry school.
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. These funds can be used toward the very first steps necessary when pursuing a doctor of optometry degree – offsetting the cost of the OAT exam, school application costs, professional attire or travel costs associated with interviews.
The Opportunities in Optometry application deadlines are May 1 and December 1. Click here for information on Grant Eligibility Criteria and access to the application form.
Transitions Announces Call for Education Grant Applications
To help support and empower the next generation of optometrists and opticians, Transitions, in partnership with its Optical Advancement Board, is now accepting applications for its Transitions® Optical Advancement educational grant program until April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Transitions, which is a part of the EssilorLuxottica group, will award five grants in the amount of $1,000 to applicants who are graduating high school seniors or recent graduates planning to attend opticianry school in the U.S. Additionally, two grants in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to first-year through third-year optometry students attending an accredited U.S. school or college.
Applications for the Optical Advancement optometry and opticianry grants are available online.
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
SHPEP is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at 12 partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop healthcare skills, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network. For more information about Optometry Summer programs and participating schools, click here.
OptometryStudents.com is a go-to resource for optometry student life! Powered by the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), it hosts articles, videos, and content created by optometry student journalists from all over the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. OS allows students to get involved in optometry at all levels and move the profession forward.
Southern California College of Optometry
Marshall B. Ketchum University (MBKU) is an independent, private, non-profit, accredited educational institution. One of MBKU's multidisciplinary health care teaching facilities is the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), which confers a Doctor of Optometry and a Master of Science in Vision Science degree.
The SCCO Office of Admissions and Student Ambassadors hosts 1-2 webinars per month with events ranging from application prep to sharing more about their program through the eyes of current students. Click here to view their previously recorded webinars to help you explore the profession of optometry, learn about SCCO's program and help you prepare to be a competitive optometry school applicant.