Did you know that more than half of the world’s population wears glasses? Did you also know that wearing glasses can help you pay for college?
According to the Vision Council of America, over 4 billion people worldwide use glasses, and more than 75% of those same adults also use vision correction devices.
That means that glasses are not only common but also costly for many students.
Glasses are not always covered by insurance or financial aid, and they can break or get lost easily.
That’s why many organizations and social bodies offer scholarships for people with visual impairments to help them pursue their academic goals and dreams.
In this article, we will share with you some of the best scholarships for people with glasses, how to apply for them, and how to make your application stand out from the crowd.
Why Scholarships for People with Glasses
Wearing glasses can be a source of bullying and harassment for many students.
According to a study, preteens who wear glasses or an eye patch have a one-third greater risk of being bullied than those who don’t.
Bullying can take many forms, such as name-calling, teasing, spreading rumors, physical violence, or social exclusion.
Bullying can have negative effects on the mental and emotional health of students, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts.
To counteract the stigma and discrimination that students with glasses face, many organizations and social bodies offer scholarships for people with visual impairments.
These scholarships aim to recognize the academic achievements and leadership potential of students who wear glasses and to provide them with financial support and opportunities to pursue their education and career goals.
These scholarships can also boost the confidence and self-esteem of students with glasses and encourage them to overcome the challenges they face.
By offering scholarships for people with glasses, these organizations and social bodies hope to create a more positive and inclusive educational environment.
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Is there a scholarship for wearing glasses?
Yes, there are many scholarships for people with glasses that can help you cover the costs of your education.
Glasses are not only a fashion accessory or a medical necessity, but they can also be a source of financial aid.
These scholarships have different eligibility criteria, application requirements, and award amounts.
In this article, we will describe some of the best scholarships for people with glasses that you can apply for.
Don’t miss these opportunities; just read on and find out how you can benefit from these scholarships.
How Early Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
No matter what kind of scholarship you want to apply for, it is a good idea to apply as early and frequently as you can.
There are scholarships available with deadlines as early as the year before you enroll in college or university.
Before you begin applying for scholarships, you must be definite about the university of your choice.
You can still apply for other scholarships at any time if you missed some of the earlier deadlines.
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Is it challenging to acquire a scholarship for someone who wears glasses?
In general, applying for a scholarship can be challenging, whether or not you wear glasses, and the same is true for applying for admission to college or university.
After the first six applications, it gets significantly simpler because students can recycle and modify prior application essays.
Only apply for scholarships that you know you qualify for to enhance your chances of receiving them.
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Scholarships for People with Glasses
In this section, we will list and describe 10 of the best scholarships for people with glasses that you can apply for.
These scholarships have different eligibility criteria, application requirements, and award amounts, so make sure you read the details carefully and follow the instructions.
1. Anne Lowe Scholarship for the Blind
This scholarship is offered annually by the Christian Record Services for the Blind to students who wear glasses or are legally blind.
The American Foundation for the Blind must assess whether applicants are legally blind (legally blind does not imply total blindness) or visually impaired.
Candidates must also be citizens of the United States, be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at an accredited college or university, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funds, but it is usually around $1,000.
LEARN MORE:- Anne Lowe Scholarship for the Blind
2. Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) offers the Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program, which awards three deserving students with glasses or low vision a $3,000 prize each.
Applicants must be full-time college students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, and they must verify their low vision with a doctor or an agency.
Finalists will participate in a telephone interview with committee members to determine who the recipients will be.
The three winners of the award are expected to attend the ACB National Convention in July, where their expenses will be reimbursed based on the CCLVI’s Board-approved reimbursement policy.
READ MORE:- Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program: Application Guide
3. American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship (AFB)
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and AFB are working together to offer this award, which is worth between $2,000 and $7,500, to persons who wear glasses or are blind or visually impaired.
The candidate must be enrolled in a technical college or university as an incoming freshman, undergraduate, or graduate student to be eligible for this grant.
Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible, in addition to demonstrating academic excellence, leadership skills, and community service.
Applicants must also submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, a transcript, and proof of legal blindness.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY READ:- American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Eligibility and How to Apply
4. National Federation of the Blind Scholarship
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is one of the largest organizations for people with glasses or blindness in the United States, and it offers over $250,000 in cash and prizes to blind scholars nationwide every year.
The NFB offers 30 merit-based scholarships worth $3,000 to $12,000 each to students who are legally blind in both eyes and reside in the U.S., the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
Applicants must also be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary course of study at an accredited institution in the U.S., except for one scholarship that is also open to part-time students.
The finalists are announced in the spring and are expected to attend the NFB national convention in July to find out who the winners are.
Click here to learn more and how you can apply for the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program.
5. Jim Halladay HumanWare/NFB Scholarship
The NFB scholarship program, in collaboration with HumanWare, a leading manufacturer of assistive technology for people with glasses or blindness, is offering another grant for students who wear glasses, are blind, or are visually impaired.
The scholarship now includes four recipients instead of just two, and each winner will receive a Brailliant BI40 braille display and $1,000 in tuition reimbursement.
Applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as the NFB scholarship program and submit an additional essay on how they would use the braille display to enhance their education and career goals.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY, READ:- Jim Halladay Humanware/NFB Scholarship Application Guide
6. Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships
The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) offers one male and one female undergraduate student with a vision impairment who must wear glasses a $500 scholarship each year.
Each candidate must be a current USABA member and be enrolled in a university, a four-year college, a two-year college, or a vocational-technical school to be eligible for the award.
Applicants must also demonstrate academic achievement, athletic involvement, and community service.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, as long as the recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and continue to participate in USABA sports programs.
7. The Al and Cora Camp Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship, which has a maximum value of $1,000, is one of those offered by the Georgia Council of the Blind for students who wear glasses or are legally blind.
To qualify, candidates must be legally blind or financially dependent on one or both legally blind parents.
Additionally, candidates must be admitted into one of the following post-secondary institutions: a college or university; a vocational or technical school; or a master’s or doctoral program at a recognized university.
Applicants must also submit an essay, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
8. Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired Scholarship
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) is a professional organization that promotes quality services for people with glasses or blindness.
The AER offers two scholarships worth $500 each to outstanding applicants from around the world who are pursuing post-secondary education to assist visually impaired children in their area.
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program related to education or rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired, and they must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
They must also submit an essay, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
9. Julius Fleischman Scholarship for Blind or Visually Impaired Students
This is one of the scholarships offered by Disability Support Services at George Washington University (GW) to help students who use glasses or are blind or visually impaired improve their chances for professional and academic success.
The scholarship is available for graduate and undergraduate study in any field of study; however, it is not renewable.
Applicants must be enrolled at GW as full-time or part-time students, and they must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also submit an essay, a transcript, and proof of legal blindness.
10. Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Part-Time Students
This scholarship was created to help GW students who need glasses, have print difficulties like dyslexia, or are blind or visually impaired and wish to pursue higher education on a part-time basis.
The scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funds, but it is usually around $500 per semester.
Applicants must be enrolled at GW as part-time students with at least six credits per semester and a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must also submit an essay, a transcript, and proof of disability.
Final Thought
Wearing glasses can be more than just a way to correct your vision. It can also be a way to access free money for college through various scholarships and grants.
We have listed 10 of the best scholarships for people with glasses that you can apply for. These scholarships can help you pay for your tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
Whether you are blind, visually impaired, or simply wear glasses or contact lenses, you may be eligible for some of these awards.
All you need to do is fill out the FAFSA, submit your applications, and meet the requirements.
Don’t let your glasses hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Apply for these scholarships today and get free money for college.