American Optometric Foundation-VISTAKON Innovation in Education Grants
The American Optometric Foundation (AOF) in collaboration with VISTAKON, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. announces the VISTAKON Innovation in Education Grants program. Designed to aid new faculty in advancing their teaching skills in the areas of improving how information is delivered to students, new methodologies, increase use of new technology in all teaching settings and promote online learning tools.
Reviewed by an ad-hoc committee established by the Foundation, applications will be considered for a broad range of faculty development activities in the area of optometric education, including classroom, laboratory, clinical, and external activities. Up to $40,000 will be awarded annually. Recipients will be recognized at the AOF Celebration Luncheon during the American Academy of Optometry's Annual meeting in October.
Applications should explain the need for the funding, the criteria for success, and a detailed budget. A letter of support from the applicant’s president, dean, or department chair is optional. Priority will be given to innovative and creative projects. Requests for equipment or exceptional travel needs will not be considered.
A one-page report must be submitted to the Foundation within one year of the award. Recipients will be encouraged to submit any results or outcomes from the funded project for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry acknowledging the support of Vistakon and the AOF. Presenters will be eligible for an additional $500 to cover related expenses.
Eligibility
Any faculty member at a North American optometric institution, with less than 10 years experience as a faculty member, may submit one application for between $1,000 and $10,000.
Application Procedures
Applications must be submitted by e-mail (preferably in PDF format) to Email AOF Awards and be formatted as follows:
a. Cover letter consisting of full contact information (including degrees).
b. C.V.
c. Proposal
d. Budget explanation
e. Letter of endorsement by the Dean or President/Director of the school/ college (optional)
Applications will receive a confirmation receipt by e-mail from the Foundation within 1-3 business days of the submission. If you do not receive a confirmation contact the AOF office to ensure the application is received.
Deadline
The 2012 deadline for applications is June 15, 2012.
Review Procedures
Applications will be reviewed by an ad-hoc committee established by the AOF. Number of awards issued and amount can vary. Up to $40,000 will be awarded annually.
Recognition of Awardees
The recipients will be recognized at the AOF Celebration Luncheon during the American Academy of Optometry's Annual Meeting. The awardees will be listed in the AOF Annual Report and announcements will be placed in the Academy newsletter and in Eye-Mail Monthly. Press Releases will be sent to all schools and colleges of optometry, optometric organizations, and the optometric press. Submission of a proposal constitutes permission for the Foundation and/or sponsor to use the applicant’s name and image in online and print materials.
For additional information about this award and the American Optometric Foundation, contact Tracy Kitts, Foundation Coordinator, at 321-710-3936.
