RALEIGH, N.C. — Local Eye Site, a leader in eyecare hiring across ophthalmology, optometry and optical, is funding grants for the third consecutive year for ophthalmic medical technicians seeking certification from The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).

The application period is now open for these certification grants, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 30.

Persons seeking scholarships may apply by completing an application form and submitting a brief essay or digital video. Grants are awarded as vouchers to be used toward discounts for the JCAHPO certification examination fee. Awards range from $50 to $340 and are valid for one year from the date the voucher is issued. The application form can be found here.

In January 2017, grants were awarded to 10 eyecare professionals to cover the cost of the exam. A few grantees’ professional stories where featured on the Local Eye Site blog. Recipients included a former member of the U.S. Air Force, an optician turned ophthalmic technician and a student at Columbia University studying health care policy.

“We understand the important role that well-equipped technicians play in the delivery of quality ophthalmic care,” Brad McCorkle, founder of Local Eye Site, said in an announcement about the scholarship program. “Our goal with the Local Eye Site grant is to support continued advancement in the quality of ophthalmic patient care available, and hopefully to encourage more Allied Health professionals to consider a career in ophthalmology.”