Optometry Scholarship Program (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority)

Name: Optometry Scholarship Program (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority)

Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per recipient, with final award amounts determined annually based on available funding

Information And Eligibility:
The Optometry Scholarship Program administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority is a state-supported professional scholarship designed to address Kentucky’s ongoing need for licensed optometrists. By providing substantial financial assistance to students pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree, the program encourages qualified Kentucky residents to enter a healthcare field that plays a vital role in vision care, disease detection, and overall patient wellness throughout the Commonwealth.

This scholarship is intended for students who are preparing for professional practice in optometry and who are willing to commit their education toward serving Kentucky communities. Funding may be used to offset the high cost of optometry education, including tuition and other institutionally approved academic expenses. Because optometry programs are intensive and extended in length, the scholarship helps reduce reliance on educational debt while supporting long-term workforce development in an essential healthcare specialty.

Eligible applicants must be Kentucky residents and United States citizens who are enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a participating Doctor of Optometry program. Students are permitted to apply before formal admission to an optometry school; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to secure acceptance prior to the application deadline to ensure eligibility. In addition to academic enrollment requirements, applicants must be in good financial standing with KHEAA and must not have any past-due obligations related to state or federal student aid programs.

The Optometry Scholarship Program is administered annually, and award availability may vary depending on state funding levels. Because participation is limited to approved institutions, applicants should confirm that their chosen optometry program is eligible under the scholarship guidelines. Recipients are expected to comply with all program requirements throughout the award period, including maintaining enrollment and meeting any ongoing eligibility conditions established by KHEAA.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a legal resident of the state of Kentucky.
• Must be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in a Doctor of Optometry program at a participating institution.
• May apply prior to formal acceptance, but admission is strongly encouraged before the application deadline.
• Must have no past-due financial obligations to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority or any Title IV federal student aid program.

Participating Institutions:

• Kentucky College of Optometry
• Indiana University College of Optometry
• Southern College of Optometry
• University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Optometry

Application Requirements:

• Submission of the Optometry Scholarship application through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
• Documentation verifying Kentucky residency.
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance into an eligible Doctor of Optometry program.
• Verification of satisfactory financial standing with KHEAA and federal aid programs.

Deadline: December

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