First-year optical students awarded £25,000 worth of bursaries

The first bursaries of £1000 each from the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM) Education Trust have been awarded to 25 students in the first year of their optical studies.

The award winners are studying different courses at 10 UK optical training institutions, from day release and foundation courses in ophthalmic dispensing  through to degrees in orthoptics and optometry.

The bursaries provide additional financial support at the start of a programme of study, with the aim of attracting and keeping talented people in optics.

Applicants were asked to explain what had inspired their interest in their particular branch of the optical profession and how the bursary would make a difference to their studies.

This is the first year the scheme has run and competition was said to be high, with over 240 applications.

Chairman of the WCSM Education Trust, Professor Chris Hull, said “We are delighted at the success of the scheme in its first year. It is really important that we keep working to attract talented individuals into all branches of optics for the future of the profession.”

Professor Hull added: “There were some inspiring applications amongst the 240 we received and we will watch the progress of the successful candidates with interest.”

For more information, visit the WCSM website.