LONDON—The World Council of Optometry (WCO) fellowship program will distribute $20,000 to optometrists throughout the world. Half the funds will be used to support innovative projects around the world that will improve vision, eyecare and optometric initiatives that tackle WCO’s priority areas—education, legislation, public health and registration and standards. The other $10,000 will be allocated as travel expenses to help optometrists and students attend optometric events or visit eyecare institutions in other countries.

Funding for the program is provided by the World Optometry Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that finances global development of optometry to improve eyecare and reduce avoidable blindness. All funds raised by WOF are used to support WCO initiatives. Applications must be submitted to WCO by Jan. 4, 2013.