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AOF - Essilor Optical Technology Grants
Background
The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) and Essilor are delighted to announce the 2011 Essilor Optical Technology Grants program, now in its tenth year. Three $20,000 grants are awarded annually to optometry schools for projects intended to elevate the standards and visibility of ophthalmic dispensing to students and patients within the training environment.
In the past, grants have been competitively awarded for a diversity of projects that include; facilitating education and training for clinical outreach in underserved areas, to update education in teaching and dispensing clinics and to provide laboratory equipment that enriches the students dispensing training experience.
2011 applications must emphasize dispensing and should state why the proposal cannot be funded using existing resources. This endeavor represents a part of the commitment by the Foundation and Essilor to develop the next generation of eye care professionals.
Application Procedures
APPLICATION WINDOW IS DUE TO OPEN IN JULY!
Note: Prior to window open, guidelines are subject to change. Please review all information before submitting your application to ensure it meets all criteria.
Deadline is Friday, September 7, 2012
In 1000 words or less the project administrator should state in a proposal how the grant will be used to further the educational program. An emphasis must be on dispensing and include a statement why the project cannot be funded using existing resources.
Only one proposal may be submitted by each eligible school or college of optometry. Applications must be submitted by e-mail (preferably in PDF format) to and include:
- Cover letter consisting of project title, full contact information for the institution and lead administrator for the project (including degrees).
- 1000 word proposal
- budget explanation and project timeline
- letter of endorsement by the Dean or President/Director of the school/ college.
Applications will receive a confirmation receipt by e-mail from the Foundation within 1-3 business days of the submission. *Files exceeding 10MB need to be broken into separate smaller units to allow passage through internet security measures.
The Essilor Optical Technology Grant program is intended for North American Institutions. No institution will receive a grant two years in a row.
A 500 word progress report must be submitted by the awarded institution in June of the subsequent year in order for the institution to be eligible for future Essilor Optical Technology Grants. Pictures are encouraged.
Review Procedures
Applications will be judged on the institution's commitment to the growth of premium optical technology, ingenuity, as well as how the funding will enable the institution to elevate the standards and visibility of ophthalmic dispensing for students and patients. A five-member review panel, including one representative from Essilor, will be convened by the American Optometric Foundation.
Recognition of Awardees
The recipients will be announced at the AOF Celebration Luncheon during the American Academy of Optometry's annual meeting in Boston, October 15, 2011. The awardees will be listed in the AOF Annual Report and announcements will be placed in the Academy newsletter and in Eye-Mail Monthly. Press Releases will be sent to all schools and colleges of optometry, optometric organizations, and the optometric press.
For additional information about this award and the American Optometric Foundation, contact Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, at: 
or 321-710-3936.
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About Essilor Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and is the market leader in progressive, high-index and anti-reflective coated lenses. A pioneer in the development and production of ophthalmic lenses, Essilor employs more than 9,000 people throughout North America. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Xperio®, DEFINITY®, Thin&Lite® and other Essilor brand names. Essilor Laboratories of America (ELOA) is the largest, and most trusted, optical lab network in the U.S. and offers a wide choice of services and lens brands, including Essilor premium lenses, to eyecare professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International, a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA). |
AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC FOUNDATION, ESSILOR OF AMERICA ANNOUNCE
2011 TECHNOLOGY GRANT RECIPIENTS AT ACADEMY BOSTON
Rockville, MD – (December 2, 2011) –The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) along with Essilor of America, Inc., the leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, has announced the 2011 recipients of the Essilor Technology Grants; now in its tenth year. The announcement was made at the Foundation's Annual Celebration Luncheon on October 15th during Academy Boston. Three $20,000 grants were awarded to optometry institutions for projects intended to elevate the standards and visibility of ophthalmic dispensing to students and patients in the training environment.
The 2011 recipients are:
o State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, New York, NY
Sports Vision: Raising Awareness for the Patient and the Optometry Student
o University of California Berkeley School of Optometry, Berkeley, CA
Enhancing Ophthalmic Dispensary Training in a New Eyewear Center
o The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus, OH
Matching Patient Needs with Customized Progressive Addition Lens Solutions
AOF President, Catherine Amos, commented " we are delighted to have a productive ongoing relationship with Essilor. We share their goals of enhancing optometric education and improving patient care."
The American Optometric Foundation is committed to improving the visual welfare of the public by fostering advances in education and research. A leading organization in optometric education, the AOF provides assistance and encouragement to students who plan on pursuing a career in visual health and promotes healthy relationships within and among organizations that share a common goal.
“Essilor is proud to support the next generation of eyecare professionals through its long-standing partnership with the AOF,” said Rod Tahran, O.D., F.A.A.O., vice president of professional relations and clinical affairs for Essilor of America, who presented the awards at the luncheon “Since the program began ten years ago, these grants have enabled schools of optometry to make significant advancements their educational programs, ultimately benefitting the entire vision community”
For further information, contact:
Tracy Kitts
Foundation Coordinator
American Optometric Foundation
321-710-3936
