The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has opened its bursary application scheme for the current academic year to help students on apprenticeships, degree and diploma courses. These must be in optometry, dispensing, orthoptics or allied eye care subjects. Ophthalmic nurses and clinical technicians are also eligible.
People can apply for financial support if they are on a recognised course at Level 4 or above which is designed to lead directly to a career in eye health. This includes:
- apprenticeships in ophthalmic clinical support and imaging
- three-year BSc and four-year MSc degrees in optometry
- degrees in ophthalmic nursing
- diplomas involving block release or blended learning alongside paid work.
The bursaries are worth £1,000 each.
What you need to do
The charity’s trustees want to help people who intend to build a career in eye health and would benefit from extra financial support. Applicants should provide a short written or video report about their progress. Not everyone who applies will receive a bursary.
One or two of the winners will be invited by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers to an event in September 2023 to meet people from across the sector.
You must complete the application form. No other format is accepted.
Deadline and dates
The closing date to return the application form is midnight on 12 December.
If you have not heard back by 15 March 2023, it means that your application has been unsuccessful. The awards are paid out by 31 March 2023.
The charity cannot consider emails or letters asking for help outside the terms of the bursary scheme.