This grant supports mid-career pediatric optometrists in conducting pilot research projects and advancing their research careers through structured mentorship.
Funder: American Academy of Optometry
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2026 (Letter of Intent) | April 2027 (Letter of Intent, projected)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 total per award; project duration up to 2 years
Summary: Supports mid-career clinicians in pediatric optometry to collect pilot data and advance their research careers through structured mentorship.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all deadlines are projected based on the annual cycle.
The Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant, administered by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation, is a $10,000 career development award aimed at supporting mid-career optometrists working in pediatric settings. The grant is designed to help clinicians collect pilot data, enhance their competitiveness for future research funding, and advance their careers through a structured mentorship plan. Awardees are expected to conduct a focused pediatric optometry research project, participate in mentorship, and demonstrate the potential career impact of the grant. Research must be completed within two years, and recipients are required to submit a closeout report summarizing their findings for a general audience.