There is an ongoing need for access to healthcare in rural Alabama. To help, the Alabama Board of Optometric Scholarship and Loan Awards (BOSLA) has established a scholarship for first to fourth year optometry students who want to practice in rural Alabama.
Funds can be used by the recipient in a variety of ways, including to cover tuition costs or as seed money to establish a practice. The award money is in addition to any regular earnings – it does not replace or constitute an awardee’s practice income. In-state residency is not required.
The BOSLA considers candidates for an upfront award of up to $134K, the approximate total of optometry school tuition and fees, in return for at least six years of service in an Alabama small town/rural community in need of an optometry professional. In addition to a multi-year commitment, recipients must work in either of the following counties:
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The list of counties is subject to change depending on the workforce metrics.
“There is always a need for access to healthcare in rural areas, including eye and vision care,” said Lynn Hammonds, OD, alumna and BOSLA chair. “This is a tremendous opportunity for someone who wants to launch their career in one of these communities.”
Small-town life has many unique advantages. The local optometrist is viewed as a pillar of the community, benefiting from stronger connections. They also face less practice saturation and less competition, while incurring relatively low overhead costs.
The scholarship involves a rigorous selection process that includes the presentation of a business plan. Applications can be submitted year-round and questions should be sent to