The University offers optometry 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.
Select scholarships require an application. Information is sent to all enrolled students annually.
Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Scholarship
Established by Madlyn and Leonard Abramson, the scholarship affords preference 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 Staff Council, the scholarship is to be awarded to a worthy student.
Alumni Scholarships
Made possible through the contributions of generous PCO alumni, these scholarships are awarded to second, third- and fourth-year students.
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 friends, colleagues and classmates in memory of Dr. Barinas, a member of the Class of 2003.
Elsie Wright Billmeier Memorial Scholarship
Established by Alton G. Billmeier, OD ’38 FAAO, in memory of his late wife, Elsie Wright Billmeier, OD ’38. Preference given to students from Maryland.
Alma L. Boben Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Alma L. Boben, OD ’28, in memory of her father, optometrist H. J. Leuze. This is awarded to worthy female students.
Centennial Campaign Scholarship
Established in commemoration of the centennial celebration of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Ciba Vision Scholarship
Established by Ciba Vision Corporation, a major international pharmaceutical corporation with strong ties to the ophthalmic market.
Class of 1973 Scholarship
Established by members of the PCO Class of 1973.
Jeffrey Cohen Memorial Scholarship
Established by friends and colleagues in memory of Jeffrey Cohen, OD ’69, through the Federal Credit Union.
William J. Condon Memorial Scholarship
Established through the estate of Mary H. Condon in memory of her optometrist husband.
John D. Costabile Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of John D. Costabile, OD, a 1946 alumnus and prior member of the University Board of Trustees, the scholarship is awarded to optometry students on the basis of academic performance and financial need.
William Decter Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of PCO alumnus Dr. William Decter ’43 by Rodenstock USA, Inc., and his friends and family members.
Sol Deglin Memorial Scholarship
Established by Edward A. Deglin, MD, in memory of his father.
Milton J. Eger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and family of Dr. Eger ’40, 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.
Marvin Fiegelman Scholarship
Established by Marvin Fiegelman.
H. L. Goldberger Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and professional colleagues of Herbert L. Goldberger, OD, a 1954 alumnus of PCO.
Lawrence G. Gray Memorial Scholarship
Established by the friends and colleagues of Dr. Larry Gray, former PCO professor and 1972 alumnus.
Florence and Martin Hafter Scholarship
Established by Martin Hafter, OD ’49 and his wife, Florence.
Edward Hueber Scholarship
Established by Edward Hueber.
A. Michael Iatesta Scholarship
Established by Dr. Iatesta ’52, member of the University Board of Trustees.
Johnson & Johnson 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.
Harry Kaplan Scholarship
Established by Dr. Kaplan ’49, a member of the PCO faculty, these scholarships are awarded to optometry students on the basis of academic performance and financial need.
Thomas L. Lewis Endowment Fund
Established in honor of Thomas Lewis, OD ’70, as he was leaving the Presidency of Salus University, these funds are used to support outstanding students in basic sciences.
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, OD ’81, the Matthews Scholarship is awarded to a first-year student selected on the basis of undergraduate academic performance, community service, and financial need.
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 Vision Scholarship
Awarded to students from minority backgrounds.
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.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Scholarship
Established by a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, who wishes to remain anonymous.
A.A. Phillips-SOSH Scholarship
The scholarship was established and funded by A.A. Phillips, OD, a 1969 graduate of PCO who founded the Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH). The 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, OD. Preference is afforded first-year students and Pennsylvania residents.
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.
Herbert and Adrienne Schoenes Scholarship
Established by Herbert M. Schoenes OD ’48 and his wife Adrienne, this scholarship is awarded to a first-year optometry student to support the purchase of necessary ophthalmic equipment.
Boris I. and Bessie S. Sinoway Memorial Scholarship
Established by the estate of Bessie S. Sinoway in memory of her husband, Boris I. Sinoway, OD.
Richard W. Stockton Scholarship
Established by Dr. Stockton, a 1953 alumnus of PCO.
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 Benefits of America Scholarship
Scholarship gift from PA Vision Foundation in honor of former and current Chairs of the Board of Vision Benefits of America, Drs. Bruce May, Vincent Cascino, Claudia Wendel, Peter Theodorous, David Rule, Sam D'Onofrio and Karen Rule. The Scholarship is awarded annually to an optometry student from Pennsylvania, with a preference for a student who intends to practice in Pennsylvania.
Clifford C. Wagner Scholarship
Established by the family of Clifford C. Wagner, OD, a 1951 alumnus of PCO.
Doris A. Wagner Scholarship
Established by Clifford C. Wagner, OD ’51, in honor of his wife’s dedication to optometry and service to the visual welfare of the public.
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. Wiener, 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 PCO President Melvin D. Wolfberg, OD ’51.