Access to exceptional education is the right of every individual, even though they might be visually impaired. It is estimated that almost 6.8% of the younger generation are blind or have visual impairments that force them to wear glasses or contact lenses. National statistics have reported that vision impairments cause adults to drop their education mid-way due to a lack of academic resources. A broader definition of the term ‘blind’ has to be implemented when it comes to gaining access to higher education. Students who are legally blind are termed as the ones who experience significant vision loss and need to wear glasses. Total blindness occurs when the students experience complete vision loss in both eyes due to hereditary retinal failure or caused by accidents.

Students who suffer from vision problems can apply to schools, colleges, and educational institutes that support their style of learning and prepare them for the outer world. Each year there are multiple conventions and orientation programs held by these aid foundations to empower the students into leadership activities and enhance their goals for life. Statistic data have suggested that nearly 29% of the students with visual impairments live below the poverty line without proper opportunities for education. Most of the time, these students have to face challenges in the classroom due to difficulty in learning and grasping the course instructions without modern technology. To ease their burden, we have listed curated information about which educational and national foundations are awarding financial assistance to students who wear glasses.

These amazing opportunities are for students wishing to pursue a degree and vocational course with any of the accredited universities across the US. These merit-based grants allow the students to apply for the major of their choice. Students can gain confidence in their field and enter the professional arena as qualified experts. These scholarships also allow being mentored by counselors and guardians on the right career path. They provide independent training, job security through the courses that have been applied for, integrated support to the visually impaired students, and strategies to overcome the social challenges one can face in the real world.

These listed scholarships are the gateway towards a bright future; each one has a unique purpose in shaping the academic prospectus of students who wear glasses. Take a look and choose the best.

1. Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program

CCLVI established the Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program, which is awarded to three meritorious students who have enrolled in a degree course at an accredited college or university. Students are required to test their vision with a medical certificate when applying for a grant. They are also required to present evidence of university admission and two letters of recommendation from their advisors.

Students selected as finalists will be further consulted via a telephone interview. Winners will then be notified and be invited to the annual ACB National Convention in July. All the final decisions will be made by the CCLVI board members.

Provided by: Council of Citizens with Low Vision International
Amount: $3,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: March 15, 2022
Apply Now

2. National Federation of the Blind’s Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind has established an annual scholarship for students who are legally blind in both eyes to pursue higher education of their choice. This scholarship is available throughout the country and is awarded to meritorious students without discrimination. Students are required to be enrolled in a full-time course with one of the accredited universities across the US. They must actively participate in all NFB National Convention programs, and students must be over the age of 18 at the time of application.

Recipients are notified each year during the spring, and the grant is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

Provided by: National Federation of the Blind
Amount: $3,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: March 31, 2022
Apply Now

3. AFB Scholarships

The American Foundation for the Blind, in association with the American Council for the Blind, has set up numerous scholarship programs for students who are visually impaired. These programs are delivered through universities and partner institutions that offer financial assistance to students who are legally blind and who also have poor vision. Students must maintain a high level of GPA 3.0 and must be registered on a full-time basis at an accredited American university. Subsidies vary by subject according to community development. Students will be guided by the association in developing their skills to deal with their chosen careers through various conferences and orientation programs. Students participating in part-time courses totaling at least 32 credit hours per week are also eligible. They need to apply for the ACB membership while applying for any of the scholarships.

Provided by: American Foundation for the Blind
Amount: $2,000 – $ 7,500
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: Varies
Apply Now

4. Replace my Contacts

Replace My Contacts is a high-end online boutique that sells contact lenses from different brands. This site has an annual scholarship program for students wearing glasses; applicants are welcome from all over the US. They have to take a short survey and write an essay about how their vision obstructs daily life activities and how it can be improved with contact lenses. The winning dissertation will be awarded a lump sum for college studies.

Provided by: Replacemycontacts.com
Amount: $1,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: April 15, 2022
Apply Now

5. Dr. Stanley Pearle Scholarship Fund

The One Sight Research Foundation established the Dr. Stanley Pearle Bursary Fund for students with low vision and those who wish to pursue a career in optometry. The students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited American university. They are required to submit 2 letters of referral from their optometric mentor. A complete curriculum vitae of their school accomplishments and extracurricular activities. Their financial needs along with the volunteer work done for the betterment of the community. The grant awarded covers the course fee expenses.

Provided by: One Sight Research Foundation
Amount: $2,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: April 15, 2022
Apply Now

6. The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has dedicated the Kenneth Jernigan scholarship for students who wish to pursue higher education and are visually impaired. It is one of the largest grants in the United States for the blind; the award has been named after Dr. Jernigan, who was a pioneer in changing the education conditions for students who are legally blind across the country. The bursary covers course fees, tuition, and course material costs. Students must be academically proficient and hold high GPA scores of 3.0 to qualify. They must also get involved in social services to eliminate the biases associated with the blind community.

Provided by: American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Amount: $12,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: March 31, 2022
Apply Now

7. Lighthouse Guild Scholarships

The Lighthouse Guild has established various scholarship programs for students who are partially blind and legally blind to continue their education. These grants support students who are entering college as freshmen and also those who are aspiring to acquire a Ph.D. degree. The students need to submit proof of their disability by a certificate from an ophthalmologist or rehabilitation center. Proof of academic excellence, three letters of recommendation. An essay describes personal career goals and ambitions.

Provided by: Lighthouse Guild  
Amount: Varies
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: Varies
Apply Now

8. Anne Lowe Scholarship

The Christian Record Services for the Blind has set up the Anne Lowe Scholarship for totally and legally blind students who wish to pursue higher education. It assures financial assistance to students from lower-income categories. The student must maintain a high GPA of 3.0 scores academically, must be enrolled in a full-time course with an accredited American university. Submit a doctor’s note verifying the nature of blindness along with financial status—letter of referral from school authorities and proof of US citizenship.

Provided by: Christian Record Services for the Blind 
Amount: Varies
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: April 15, 2022
Apply Now

9. Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarships

The Juliette Foundation offers a number of scholarships and scholarship programs to students who are legally blind, lose vision due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or hereditary diseases causing damage to the retina. Students are required to submit a medical certificate of retinal disease or blindness. They have to also submit two letters of recommendation from college authorities, college entrance reports, and an official high school transcript. Students must enroll in a four-year course at an accredited university in the United States.

Provided by: Juliette Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Education: Undergraduate
Deadline: May 1, 2022
Apply Now

10. Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) Scholarships

The Association of Blind Citizens has been working towards empowering visually impaired citizens across the US towards the right to education and professional employment. These programs include scholarships for legally blind or low-vision students graduating from high schools around New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Florida, Connecticut, and California. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States. They must submit a medical report certifying their handicap with an autobiographical trial. Students must also keep a high academic record and be registered for a full-time degree or a professional course.

Provided by: Association of Blind Citizens (ABC)
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2022
Education: Undergraduate
Apply Now

Conclusion:

All of the above scholarships are a stepping stone to success for students experiencing educational hurdles due to their disabilities. These grants allow them to achieve scholastic benchmarks and set new records when it comes to gaining employment in the normal world without selective discrimination.