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FOREA Educational Scholarships

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We are committed to unlocking the potential of our highly capable students by awarding merit-based scholarships. Our merit-based Student Educational Scholarships are open to second year and advance standing students and are designed to recognize and reward those who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. With our financial assistance, we hope to help talented students succeed and reach their full potential. 

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2026 Application Portal Is Now Open

Thank you for your interest in a 2026 FOREA Educational Scholarship. The application portal is now open and accepting submission.  Winners will be announced in September. 
FOREA Educational Scholarships are available to incoming second year and advanced standing students enrolled in an AOC or COC orthoptic/vision science program and graduating in 2027.
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This year FOREA will be awarding scholarships totaling $12,500, the majority of which will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. 
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If you are an incoming first year student with a program start date in 2026, you are not eligible for FOREA Educational Scholarships.  You are eligible for the Arlene E. Stearns Memorial Scholarship. 

 

Students may apply for funding for expenses including, but not limited to:

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  • Matriculation in an Orthoptic Training Program

  • Attendance at regional, national, or international Orthoptic meetings, including but not limited to:

    • AAPOS, WSPOS, IOA or ISA meetings

  • Tuition for online educational opportunities

  • Other acceptable educational opportunities

 

Reference Letters

  • Two letters of reference are required. 

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Program Director Letter of Reference​

  • One letter MUST come from your current Orthoptic/Vision Science Program Director. 

  • ​In addition to a letter or recommendation, your program director is required to fill out a questionnaire. 

  • Directions on how to submit surveys and referee letters are sent to your program director after you submit your application. 

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Second Letter of Reference

  • Your second letter of recommendation should be a professional letter of recommendation and must come from someone outside your orthoptic training program. 

  • Directions on how to submit a professional reference letter can be found within the application. 

Information for Students

2026 FOREA Educational Scholarship Application

Read the directions carefully. Partial applications will not be accepted. 

Application deadline is Midnight CDT June 30, 2026

Any Questions can be addressed to:

Ann Vines, CO at awvines@gmail.com

Chair - FOREA Educational Scholarship Committee

 

Interested in supporting FOREA's Scholarship Program and Future Orthoptists? 

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