The Academy of Ophthalmic Education (AOE) is offering two bursaries worth $1,000 each to Seneca opticianry students in 2023.
The Greater Toronto Area-based organization, which provides continuing education seminars to eye health professionals, has provided financial support to 14 Seneca opticianry students since 2019.
There are about 240 people in the two-year Opticianry diploma program and the bursaries are open full- and part-time students.
"Seneca is one of the leading postsecondary institutions training opticianry students who represent the future of our industry,” said Ali Khan, Founding President, the AOE. “We're proud to support them with these awards."
Nelson Rodrigues, Chair, Applied Arts and Health Sciences, said Seneca is extremely grateful for the support.
“The majority of our students are working while studying – they are juggling academics, work and family life,” Mr. Rodrigues said. “These awards go a long way in removing barriers and allowing students to focus on what matters.”
The AOE, founded by the Khan family in 1994, brings eye care professionals together and aims to eradicate blindness.
As part of the AOE’s outreach work, Dr. Jonathan Shapiro, a speaker for the organization who has more than 40 years of international optometry experience, spoke to Seneca students in November.
Representatives from other partner organizations such as Aspire Vision Group, Baus Eyewear and FYi Health Group also spoke at the event.