
One of the important roles of the WOF is to fund fellowships which support the goals and objectives of the WCO (see the WCO Strategic Plan).
The highest priorities for fellowships are innovative projects which result in long-term sustainable results. Evidence must be provided in the application of how the proposed funding would contribute to the development of eye and vision care locally and/or worldwide. Areas of priority are education, advocacy, public health and legislative policy and registration. Projects which may lead to other sources of funding are encouraged. For examples of past fellowship projects, click here.
Travel bursaries for the purpose of attending a meeting or for short term “mission” or “eye camps” for vision screenings are not considered a high priority.
Criteria
- Applicant must be an optometrist, optometric educator or a graduate student in an optometric program.
- Applicant must be a member of a WCO member organization (if one exists in their country). To view a list of WCO members, click here.
- Only one fellowship application can be considered at any one time by an individual, group or organization.
Preference will be given to:
- applicants from developing and middle-income countries (according to the World Bank classification) to conduct activities in these countries.
Application Process
- Complete the application form below.
- Additional information may be requested by the Fellowship Committee and/or the WCO.
- The WCO Fellowship Committee will review applications and notify the Executive Committee of the successful candidates. The final decision for fellowships will be made by the Fellowship Committee.
- All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by the WCO.
- All successful applicants will be required to provide a written report and acknowledge WCO/WOF in all publications or publicity regarding the project prior to the funds being released.
- Please contact us with any questions.