Petry-Lomb Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarships for optometry students in an accredited College of Optometry who demonstrate financial need and a sincere desire to practice optometry in Upstate New York after graduation, preferably in the counties of Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, and/or Wayne.

Application Period

August 1 to October 15

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; minimum award $2,000. Award paid in one lump sum.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses for optometry school.

Eligibility Criteria

For optometry students who:

• Are second-, third-, or fourth-year students attending an accredited college of optometry in the United States;
• Maintain good academic standing; and
• Have financial need.

Preference is given to applicants who want to return to Upstate New York after graduation and work in areas served by the Rochester Optometric Society. This includes the counties of Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, and Wayne.

Application Process

The application process is coordinated through the Petry-Lomb Education Committee. Applications are available in August on the Rochester Optometric Society's website (www.RochEyeDocs.org) and may be submitted to the committee between September 1st and October 15th.

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Petry-Lomb Education Committee.

A committee comprised of members of the optometric field and community members reviews applications and select semifinalists, who are required to travel to Rochester for an interview at their own expense.

A transcript and additional financial information may be required by the committee.

Award Announcement and Payment

The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in the Spring. Payment is mailed to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received.

To release the scholarship payment, upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying full-time enrollment to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Acceptance and Renewal Form between July 1 and August 15.

Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.

Renewability

This scholarship is not renewable; however, students may reapply each year they are eligible.