1:30min
Optometry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Optometry Foundation (TOF) are proud to support the next generation of Tasmanian optometrists through the Tasmanian Optometry Foundation Scholarship, with applications now open for 2026.
Designed to provide financial assistance of up to $5,000, the scholarship enables optometrists, students and researchers to pursue professional development opportunities that advance the profession and improve patient care in Tasmania.
Daryl Guest, a retired Optometry Australia member and an early recipient of the TOF Scholarship, explains that the initiative aims to strengthen optometrists’ capabilities, thereby improving access to high-quality care for the Tasmanian community.
“By supporting education and skill development, optometrists can provide more comprehensive care, whether that’s managing glaucoma, treating children, addressing anterior eye conditions or treating dry eye; areas where there is real community need.”
Optometrist Sib Payne, who moved to Hobart in 2016 and has been practising in Tasmania since, shares how the scholarship shaped her professional journey.
“It was the push I needed to step up and do something that I knew I needed to do to take my career and professional satisfaction to the next level. The financial barrier of upskilling was my last hurdle, and thanks to TOF, I was able to attend the International Cornea and Contact Lens conference. The opportunity cemented my decision to pursue specialty contact lens fitting, and my upgraded skills improved my confidence and increased my job satisfaction.”
For Sib, the scholarship also addressed a common challenge for Tasmanian optometrists: access.
“Living in Tassie has many perks, but sometimes we pay the ‘island tax’ when it comes to accessing opportunities; for example, travelling costs to conferences, specific equipment or expertise available in major universities. Scholarships like this help level the playing field,” she said.
TOF Scholarships are open to all registered optometrists working in Tasmania, students undertaking optometric studies or Tasmanians involved in optometry research.
The awards support professional development through research, further training, or conference attendance, and recipients are required to share their insights with the broader Tasmanian optometry community.
“We’re looking for optometrists to explore areas of practice that are currently underdeveloped or underutilised. Even if you don’t yet have a fully developed plan, submit an elevator pitch. If the concept is promising, the Foundation will work with you to help bring it to life,” said Daryl.
“We want somebody that really wants to build that next level of base of care, that is looking for the gaps in the current care system and is ready to get in there and get their hands dirty.”
Beyond the scholarship, the Foundation also funds free CPR courses for Tasmanian optometrists, helping ensure clinicians stay confident and compliant.
Tasmanian Optometry Foundation Scholarship selections will be made in August.
To request an application form, email n.ostrognay@optometry.org.au