AOA Foundation Announces 2026 Student Scholarship Winners

Scholarships recognize outstanding optometry students for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to the profession.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 student scholarships, including the inaugural Silhouette Scholarship award in partnership with The Silhouette Group. The scholarships recognize optometry students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to advancing the profession.

Why it matters

These scholarships help support the next generation of optometrists and promote the values of academic achievement, sustainability, and professional development within the field of optometry.

The details

The 2026 Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship was awarded to Marliez Diaz Bravo, a third-year student at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions College of Optometry, for her essay highlighting qualities developed through financial planning and work experience that will be valuable in professional practice. The inaugural 2026 Silhouette Scholarship was awarded to Madelynn Ebersole, a second-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, for demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices within eye care.

  • The scholarships were announced on March 8, 2026.

The players

American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation

The charitable arm of the American Optometric Association that supports optometry students and the advancement of the optometry profession.

Marliez Diaz Bravo

A third-year student at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions College of Optometry and recipient of the 2026 Dr. Seymour Galina Scholarship.

Madelynn Ebersole

A second-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and recipient of the inaugural 2026 Silhouette Scholarship.

The Silhouette Group

A partner of the AOA Foundation in establishing the new Silhouette Scholarship.

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The takeaway

These scholarships demonstrate the AOA Foundation's commitment to supporting the next generation of optometrists and promoting values of academic excellence, sustainability, and professional development within the field of eye care.