Charity opens bursary applications

2023 Bursary winner Jemini Katechia (right) with Liz Shilling, then master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has opened applications for student bursaries for this academic year. The closing date is midnight on 11 December.

The scheme has helped more than 120 students enrolled on degree and diploma courses in eyecare professions:

• dispensing optics
• orthoptics 
• optometry
• ophthalmic imaging
• allied subjects leading directly to a career in eye health care 
• nurses studying for MSc programmes in clinical ophthalmic practice or primary care ophthalmology guidance for nursing are also eligible. 

The scheme is competitive – fewer than one in ten applicants will succeed. The trustees are not looking for the highest grades or the most polished applications. They aim to identify students who would most benefit from a small financial contribution, to enable them to thrive on their course, and concentrate on developing their knowledge and skills.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong personal commitment to their studies and have a costed plan for spending the award. The maximum amount is £1,000.

Charity chair David Parkins said: “We know that a bursary can only cover a small part of the costs involved in studying for a career in eye health, and we cannot help everyone who applies, but we want to do what we can. 

“Everyone has the same chance to tell us why they chose their course, what they love about it, what makes them different and why they especially deserve that little extra bit of help.” 

Bursary winners have to provide a short written or video report about their progress. The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers will invite one or two to attend a special event to meet experienced people from across the sector. 

The charity has sent details to all UK academic institutions running relevant courses.

• Find more details and an application form at https://www.spectaclemakers.com/charity/bursaries-and-travel-awards