Orthoptics Australia Scholarship Fund

The Orthoptics Australia Scholarship Fund is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the orthoptic profession through the provision of scholarships. Established on November 4, 2014, the Fund aims to assist students pursuing advanced education in orthoptics, thereby promoting the development and sustainability of this vital healthcare field[1][3].

Purpose and Activities

The primary objective of the Fund is to support orthoptic students, particularly those undertaking the Master of Orthoptics program. It awards scholarships based on academic merit and assists students from rural, regional, or interstate areas who face geographical or socio-economic barriers to their education. Through these initiatives, the Fund ensures the continued growth of skilled orthoptists in Australia and New Zealand[1][2].

Notable Scholarships and Awards

Among the key scholarships administered by the Fund are:

• Frank Martin Orthoptics Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students commencing the Master of Orthoptics program at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Selection is based on academic merit, specifically the highest grade point average (GPA) from the most recently completed tertiary qualification. The scholarship provides financial support throughout the course duration and honors Professor Frank Martin’s contributions to orthoptics[2][4][5].

• Dr Con Moshegov Memorial Award in Orthoptics – UTS: Established to commemorate Dr. Moshegov's impactful career, this award benefits UTS Orthoptics students from rural, remote, interstate, or refugee backgrounds starting from 2022. It aims to support their success in the field, reflecting Dr. Moshegov's enduring legacy[2].

In addition to scholarships, the Fund has facilitated donations of specialized medical equipment, such as the Ellex & Quantel Medical Compact Touch Ocular Ultrasound Biometer, enhancing teaching and research capabilities within the discipline[2].

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Fund’s scholarships must meet several criteria:

• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or hold an Australian permanent resident or permanent humanitarian visa;

• Reside in a rural, regional, or interstate location at least 100 kilometers from Sydney's Central Business District for at least 12 consecutive months prior to course commencement;

• Be commencing the Master of Orthoptics program (Course code C04299) at UTS[2].

The selection process emphasizes academic excellence, primarily using the applicant’s most recent tertiary GPA[2].

Impact and Beneficiaries

The Fund primarily benefits adults aged 25 to under 65, youth aged 15 to under 25, and the broader Australian community by supporting the education of orthoptists who contribute to eye health services nationally. By targeting students from underrepresented areas, the Fund helps address workforce shortages in rural and remote regions[1][3].

Sponsorship and Support

The Orthoptics Australia Scholarship Fund receives support from entities including the Australia Department of Health and Ageing and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), reflecting its recognized role in fostering health workforce education and training in Australia[2].

Through its dedicated scholarship programs, the Fund plays a critical role in enabling students to pursue and excel in orthoptics, thereby enhancing eye care services across Australia.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/565f1656-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/22084d74-2dcc-ed11-a7c7-00224893cef4 [2] https://www.orthoptics.org.au/about-oa/recognising-oa-members/oa-grants/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/565f1656-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [4] https://www.uts.edu.au/study/graduate-school-health/courses/orthoptics-courses/orthoptics-scholarships-and-prizes [5] https://scholarship-positions.com/frank-martin-orthoptics-scholarships-at-university-of-technology-sydney-australia/2022/02/16/