This award is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision and bestowed annually to a second or third year optometry student at each of the North American Schools and colleges of optometry.
To award $875 to a student who best demonstrates the ideal eye care standards of practice, achievement in both academic performance and extra-curricular activities, and participation with other professional pursuits such as involvement with patients through internships, community service, and other volunteer activities.
The student must be a member of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). To learn more and become a member visit: Student Membership
The J. Pat Cummings Nomination Form and a copy of the appropriate IRS tax form are provided directly to institution contacts via email prior to the opening of the submission window.
The appropriate award selection committee at each of the schools/colleges of optometry will select the one student who meets the eligibility requirements and best demonstrates the qualities detailed in the above criteria. The AAOF will not accept applications directly submitted by a student. Interested students should relay their desire for consideration to the award chair or financial aid representative at their institution.
Completed forms should be sent via email to: AAOF@aaoptom.org with the subject line: "Cummings Scholarship-Institution name".
Notification and Conferment
Each college or university will contact its award winner and an announcement will go out on the AAOF recent news feed. The AAOF will send the award directly to the school or college to be applied toward the student's financial aid.
A W-9 form (within the U.S.) or W-8BEN form (non-U.S. resident) must be submitted or be confirmed on file prior to award processing. Awards are shipped 4 - 6 weeks post deadline.
Please note : Guidelines for any given program are subject to change by the AAOF and/or the award sponsor. Applicants are reminded to please review all information before submitting their materials to ensure it meets all criteria.
All award recipients by application/nomination and acceptance of an award agree to allow the AAOF and/or the sponsor of the program to which they applied to publish their name, image, institution information, and any statement or quote provided by the recipient. These will appear in a variety of media formats that will announce and promote the program including, but not limited to, the AAOF and/or sponsor annual report, website, annual meeting promotional materials or press release.
Please direct questions about this program to: Jennifer Rubin, Foundation Program Manager, at: AAOF@aaoptom.org or 321-319-4870.