Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Traditional Program
Scholarships and Grants
The University offers optometric students a number of grants and scholarships each year that provide incentive for learning and research. These awards are monetary gifts and do not require repayment.
All scholarships are based on academic performance and financial need unless otherwise indicated below. Applications for all scholarships are made through the University’s Institutional Financial Aid Office.
Unless otherwise noted, application for the following optometric scholarships should be made through the University Institutional Financial Aid Office (215.780.1330 or mhill@salus.edu):
Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Scholarship
Established by Madlyn and Leonard Abramson, the scholarship provides awards of $1,000 or more. Preference afforded to students residing in states having managed care organizations operated by Aetna/US Healthcare (currently Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas).
Administrative/Professional Staff Scholarship
Established by the College’s Administrative/Professional Council, the scholarship is to be awarded to a worthy student.
Alcon Scholarship
Alcon, a global healthcare company and leader in eye care products including solutions, prescription drugs, contact lens and ophthalmic instruments, is a consistent supporter of optometric educational. This scholarship is awarded to optometry students on the basis of academic standing and financial need.
American Optometric Foundation Optimum Optics Scholarship
An award of $1,000 to a New Jersey student. The College scholarship committee nominates one candidate from the College per year.
Joseph F. Bacon Memorial Scholarship
An annual award to a first-year student whose undergraduate education was obtained at the University of Delaware.
Allison L. Barinas Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends, colleagues and classmates in memory of Dr. Barinas, Class of 2003, these scholarships are awarded to optometry students based on academic standing and financial need.
Elsie Wright Billmeier Memorial Scholarship
Established by Alton G. Billmeier, O.D., F.A.A.O., ’38, in memory of his late wife, Elsie Wright Billmeier, O.D., ’38. Preference given to students from Maryland.
Board of Trustees and Presidential Scholarships
Awarded to selected first-year students from non-contract states on the basis of high academic record. The scholarships are valued at up to $6,500 per year, renewable for four years.
Alma L. Boben Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Alma L. Boben, O.D., ’28, in loving memory of her father, optometrist H. J. Leuze. This is awarded to worthy female students.
Ciba Vision Scholarship
Established by Ciba Vision Corporation, a major international pharmaceutical corporation with strong ties to the ophthalmic market.
Jeffrey Cohen Memorial Scholarship
Established by friends and colleagues in memory of Jeffrey Cohen, O.D. ’69, through the Federal Credit Union.
George Comstock Scholarship
The Connecticut Optometric Society administers a scholarship for Connecticut residents demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, and high moral character. Application is made directly to the Connecticut Optometric Society.
William J. Condon Memorial Scholarship
Established through the estate of Mary H. Condon in memory of her optometrist husband.
George H. Crozier, Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and family of Dr. Crozier, former Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
William Decter Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of PCO alumnus Dr. William Decter by Rodenstock USA, Inc., and friends and family members.
Sol Deglin Memorial Scholarship
Established by Edward A. Deglin, M.D., in memory of his father.
Vivian M. Descant Scholarship
Established by Dr. Descant, an alumnus of the PCO, this $500 scholarship is awarded to optometry students on the basis of academic performance and financial need.
Milton J. Eger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and family of Dr. Eger, former member of the PCO Board of Trustees.
Faculty Scholarship
Established by the University’s Faculty Council.
Barry Farkas Scholarship
Established in recognition of Dr. Farkas, ’71, member of the University Board of Trustees.
H. L. Goldberger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and professional colleagues of Herbert L. Goldberger, O.D., a 1954 alumnus of PCO.
Florence and Martin Hafter Scholarship
Established by Martin Hafter, O.D., ’49 and his wife, Florence.
A. Michael Iatesta Scholarship
Established by Dr. Iatesta, ’52, member of the University Board of Trustees.
Harry Kaplan Scholarship
Established by Dr. Kaplan, a member of the PCO faculty, Kaplan Scholarships are awarded to optometry students on the basis of academic performance and financial need.
J. Donald Kratz Memorial Scholarship
Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. Kratz, ’37, former member of the PCO faculty and Board of Trustees.
Paul G. Matthews Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mr. and Mrs. George Matthews in memory of their son, Paul G. Matthews, O.D., ’81, the Matthews Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student selected on the basis of undergraduate academic performance, community service, and financial need. The award level is $1,000 per year for four years.
Military Scholarships
The Army, Navy, and Air Force provide a Health Profession Scholarship Program (HPSP) to optometry students that covers complete tuition payment, required books and fees plus a monthly living stipend. HPSP scholarships recipients are commissioned as officers and required to serve in the military for a specific period of time, depending upon the number of years the recipient received the HPSP scholarship. Applications and additional information are available directly from local Army, Navy, and Air Force recruitment offices that are located throughout the United States.
Leslie Mintz Foundation Scholarship
Administered by the New Jersey Optometric Association, students with New Jersey residence may apply for these annual scholarships. In the past, awards have ranged from $500 to $1,000. Students are generally notified of awards during the second semester. Applications are available from the University’s Financial Aid Office upon notification posted on the main bulletin board in the University Café lobby.
Frank J. Montemuro, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Established by Albert Tordella, Emeritus Trustee of the University’s Board of Trustees, in memory of his life-long friend, Frank J. Montemuro, Sr.
National Eye Research Foundation Fellowship Award
The Foundation offers a $500 award to a student enrolled in a school or college of optometry. Application information will be posted on the main bulletin board in the lobby of the Cafe.
New Jersey Academy of Optometry
Harold Simmerman Clinical Excellence Scholarship
Administered by the New Jersey Academy of Optometry, the scholarship is awarded to a deserving fourth year New Jersey resident on the basis of academic and clinical excellence and financial need.
Nikon Scholar Awards
An annual competition open to first-year students of optometry. Awards range from $100 honorariums to a $2,000 scholarship. Application information will be posted on the main bulletin board in the University Café lobby.
Office Depot Scholarships
Established by the Office Depot company, these scholarships are awarded to a worthy optometry student selected on the basis of high academic achievement and financial need.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholarship
Established by a member of the Board of Trustees, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Petry-Lomb Scholarship
An annual award of $1,000 to a New York resident enrolled in an optometry college who exhibits financial need and good scholastic achievement. Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office.
PHEAA Grants
A student who matriculates without receiving a baccalaureate degree, whose domicile has been in Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to the date of application, and who demonstrates financial need in accordance with PHEAA requirements is eligible for a PHEAA grant. There are other requirements as well. For further information and application materials, contact the Financial Aid Office.
A. Phillips-SOSH Scholarship
The scholarship was established and funded by A.A. Phillips, ’69, a graduate of the College who founded the Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH). The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student from either the former British West Indies or a non-U.S. citizen from the Caribbean.
Phillips Endowed Scholarship
Established by Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Phillips, ’38, in memory of Dr. Phillips’ uncle, Harry G. Phillips, O.D. Preference is afforded first-year students and Pennsylvania residents.
Review of Optometry Scholarship
An annual scholarship funded by Cahners, publisher of the Review of Optometry.
Serafina Rosa Memorial Scholarship
Established by colleagues and classmates in memory of Dr. Rosa, a 1987 graduate of PCO.
Onofrey G. Rybachok Memorial Scholarship
Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. Rybachok, former member of the PCO faculty.
Maria T. Rynkiewicz Memorial Scholarship
Established by the PCO Alumni Association in memory of Dr. Rynkiewicz, ’79.
Boris I. And Bessie S. Sinoway Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Bessie S. Sinoway in memory of her husband, Boris I. Sinoway, O.D.
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)
Granted on the basis of exceptional financial need, with preference afforded students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
State Grants and Scholarships
Typically for undergraduate students, several states have programs that award grant monies to needy students. If you have entered or will enter the University before receiving a baccalaureate degree, contact your state higher education agency directly for more information.
Joseph C. Toland Scholarship
Established by Dr. Toland, a member of the PCO faculty.
Katherine Tordella-Richards Memorial Scholarship
Established by Albert Tordella, Emeritus Trustee of the University’s Board of Trustees, in memory of his sister, Katherine Tordella Richards.
Vision Service Plan Scholarship
Established in 1998-99 by Vision Service Plan, this scholarship recognizes proficiency in the area of primary care and promotes independent private practice. Two scholarships, valued at $2000, are awarded to fourth year students.
Vistakon Acuvue Eye Health Advisor Student Citizenship Scholarship
Established by Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., each recipient receives a $1000 scholarship and a personalized plaque. Awarded to second or third year optometry students, selection criteria include academic and extra-curricular achievements, along with other professional pursuits, such as involvement with patients through internships, community service and other volunteer activities.
Vistakon Scholarship
Established by Vistakon, a division of Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Inc., in support of diversity recruitment efforts, this scholarship is awarded to optometry students selected on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated financial need and community involvement.
Clifford C. Wagner Scholarship
Established by the family of Clifford C. Wagner, O.D., a 1951 alumnus of PCO.
Doris A. Wagner Scholarship
Established by Clifford C. Wagner, O.D., ’51, in honor of his wife’s dedication to optometry and service to the visual welfare of the public.
Wal-Mart Scholarship
Established and administered by the Wal-Mart Corporation.
William G. Walton Jr. Scholarship
Established by the President’s Council in recognition of Dr. Walton, ’40, a former PCO faculty member.
Harold and Ginny Wiener Scholarship
Established by the family of 1950 PCO alumnus Dr. Harold and Mrs. Weiner, preference is afforded New Jersey residents.
E. F. Wildermuth Foundation Scholarship
Established by the E.F. Wildermuth Foundation, the largest private contributor to student financial assistance at the University.
Melvin D. Wolfberg Scholarship
Established by former President Melvin D. Wolfberg, O.D., ’51.
NOTE: Additional grant and scholarship information is available by contacting the University Financial Aid Office:mhill@salus.edu.