ACO Travel Grant

The ACO Travel Grants are designed to support ACO Members to take on professional travel opportunities- no matter where in the world it arises. The ACO is dedicated to providing accessible eyecare to all and advancing eyecare through research and education. Linking closely with this ethos, we are proud to support our Members through their journey of professional advancement or contributing their time and optometry skills to a disadvantaged community around the globe.

These grants are available throughout the year, ranging from $200 – $1000, and can be applied for under the following categories:

Conferences – National and International

Attend a national or international scientific or professional meeting in order to present a paper or a poster, or to take some substantial official role (other than chairman of a session) in the meeting

Overseas Study Tour

To develop knowledge of best practice in optometry through visiting one or more centre(s) of excellence

Voluntary Optometry Service

Provide voluntary optometry services to a disadvantaged community, either in remote Australia or overseas, under the auspices of a recognised aid agency or program

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How to apply?

The application process consists of three easy steps:

1. Fill out the application form and email it to membership@aco.org.au (applications accepted throughout the year)

2. The ACO will review and verify all documents

3. All applicants, whether successful or not, will be notified of the outcome by the ACO within 15 business days.

Who can apply?

Applicant must be a financial Member of the ACO

What you’ll need?

Completed application form and proof of travel documents

When is the deadline?

The ACO Travel Grant is available throughout the year, but funding is limited so please apply as soon as you can for best chance of success

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Terms and Conditions

1. Application and supporting documents must be received no less than one month before the date of travel

2. Travel must generally occur within the calendar year

3. Additional information/ verification may be requested from the applicant and organisers cited in the application.

4. Members will only be eligible to receive one Travel Grant each year.

5. If the proposed travel is cancelled or postponed, the recipient is required to immediately inform the ACO.

Travel cancelled: if the grant is paid out, the recipient will have to reimburse the ACO of the grant within 2 weeks of the cancellation being known to the recipient.

Travel postponed: if postponed for more than 9 months, the ACO will determine if the Travel Grant shall continue.

6. Applicants shall be responsible for paying any taxes incurred or arising from the receipt of a Travel Grant. If a successful applicant is registered for GST, the ACO will pay the grant and associated GST. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from the Australian Taxation Office regarding possible tax implications of the Travel Grant.

7. Successful grant recipients are required to participate in a written interview about their travels, share photographs where possible and consent to be profiled in ACO’s communications and marketing.

Application Form

Section A: Personal Details
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
Occupation*
Organisation
ACO Member Number

Section B: Travel Details
Please tick the category under which you are applying*

ConferenceStudy TourVoluntary Optometry Servicers
Travel Dates

MonthDayYear
Locations
Estimated Cost of Travel
Requesting Amount
Have you applied for funding from any other source? (If yes, please name organisation and the amount received)

YesNo
Please give a summary of your travel including: purpose of travel, details of the conference/tour/ volunteering, your role and expected outcomes/ benefits*
In no more than 300 words please elaborate on your applicable category below:
Conference (Details of the conference, your presentation/ paper delivery and role)
Study Tour ( Aim of tour, organisations that you will be visiting and its role in eyecare, learning outcomes)
Voluntary Optometry Services (Details of program, nature of work and your role, benefits for the community)

Section C: Organiser Details
Name organisation/ program*
Name of contact person*
Contact details*

Evidence
Please attach any documentation that supports the information provided above (invitations, acceptance letters, itinerary, evidence of travel arrangements or receipts)
Cancelof
I have read the terms and conditions of the ACO Travel Grant and agree to abide by it. I declare that the details given on this application form are correct and all evidence provided is legitimate.
Signature*

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Application Form