The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) is dedicated to advancing the profession of optometry through research and education. This involves supporting optometrists in their career stages, promoting vision care innovation, and enhancing knowledge in the field to improve patient care quality.
The grant program supports new optometric and vision science faculty research as well as optometric resident research. Initiated in 2012, it aims to benefit early-career individuals by encouraging research across a broad spectrum of vision science, clinical practice, or eye-related public health. The fellowship offers an annual award to support research for up to one year, encouraging academic curiosity and the pursuit of various professionally-based questions within the field.