Do you wear glasses? If so, did you know that there are scholarships available for people like you? It’s true! Many organizations offer financial aid like scholarships for people with glasses to students with visual impairments, and wearing glasses qualifies.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of visual impairment.
Of those, 80% could have prevented or treated their condition with access to proper eye care.
In the United States, the cost of eye care and prescription glasses can be prohibitive for many students and their families.
That’s where scholarships for people with glasses come in.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five scholarships for people with glasses, including eligibility requirements, application processes
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5 Scholarships for People with Glasses
1. National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) offers scholarships to legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education.
These scholarships range from $3,000 to $12,000 and are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
The NFB also provides additional opportunities for scholarship recipients, such as attending the annual NFB convention and participating in mentoring programs.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a National Federation of the Blind scholarship, applicants must
- Be legally blind in both eyes
- Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico
- Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution.
Scholarship requirements:
In addition to submitting an application, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation, applicants must also write an essay on a topic related to blindness.
Finalists will be invited to attend the NFB national convention, where they will be interviewed by a panel of judges.
How to apply:
Interested students can find more information and apply online at https://scholarships.nfb.org/
The application deadline is in March 2025.
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2. Lions Clubs International Foundation Scholarships
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) offers several scholarships for students who are visually impaired or blind.
- The Helen Keller Memorial Scholarship, for example, provides $1,000 to $10,000 to students who are legally blind and pursuing a degree in education or rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired.
- The LCIF SightFirst Scholarship, on the other hand, supports students pursuing degrees in optometry, ophthalmology, or related fields.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a Lions Clubs International Foundation scholarship, applicants must
- Have a visual impairment
- Be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
However, specific eligibility requirements vary by scholarship program.
Scholarship requirements:
- Applicants for the Helen Keller Memorial Scholarship must submit an application, transcripts, proof of legal blindness, and a personal statement.
- Applicants for the SightFirst Scholarship must submit an application, transcripts, proof of enrollment in an eligible program, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
How to apply:
Interested students can find more information and apply online at the Lions Clubs International Foundation Scholarships website.
3. Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired Scholarships
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) also offers several Scholarships for People with Glasses to students pursuing careers in visual impairment services.
These scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 and are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for an Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired scholarship, you must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree related to visual impairment services.
Also, specific eligibility requirements vary by scholarship program.
Scholarship requirements:
In addition to submitting an application and transcripts, you must also write a personal statement and provide two letters of recommendation.
However, some scholarships may also require additional materials, such as a resume or essay.
How to apply:
Interested students can find more information and apply online at https://www.aerbvi.org/scholarships
4. American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Program
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers several Scholarships for People with Glasses to students who are legally blind or visually impaired.
These scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
The AFB also provides additional opportunities for scholarship recipients, such as networking events and mentoring programs.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for an American Foundation for the Blind scholarship, applicants must be legally blind or visually impaired and pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution.
Scholarship requirements:
In addition to submitting an application, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation, applicants must also write an essay on a topic related to blindness or visual impairment.
How to apply:
Interested students can find more information and apply online at the American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Program website.
5. The Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award
The Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award is presented annually to a high school senior who is legally blind or visually impaired and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
The award provides a $6,000 scholarship to be used towards the recipient’s post-secondary education.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Award, you must be legally blind or visually impaired and a graduating high school senior who will be attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the fall.
Scholarship requirements:
In addition to submitting an application, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation, applicants must also write an essay on a topic related to blindness or visual impairment.
How to apply:
Interested students can find more information and apply online at https://portal.learningally.org/NAA/Application-SAA
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Final Thoughts on Scholarships for People with Glasses
There are many Scholarships for People with Glasses available for people with glasses.
Here, we have discussed the best 5 Scholarships for People with Glasses
However, you should ensure you meet eligibility requirements, and submit strong applications, to increase your chances of receiving financial aid for your education.
Also, don’t forget to apply early and often, and don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations for more information.
We hope you find this guide on Scholarships for People with Glasses helpful
FAQs about Scholarships for People with Glasses
Can I still apply for scholarships if I only wear glasses for reading?
Yes, many scholarships for people with glasses do not require full-time wear.
Be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Can I still apply for scholarships if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
It depends on the scholarship. Some scholarships are open to international students, while others are only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.