CCLS Scholarship Application 2026

 
 

Applications are now open for the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand Scholarship for 2026. 

Scholarship Aim

To promote an opportunity for education for all members of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society for New Zealand.


Scholarship Value

Up to NZD $2,500, or $500 towards upskilling/education


Application Criteria

  • Any current paid Cornea and Contact Lens Society member for New Zealand is eligible for this scholarship. 

  • New members may join and apply.


Concept

The scholarship is for any member of the society to up-skill in either anterior segment health and/or contact lens specialty fields. The award recipient is expected to conduct 40 hours of self-organised upskilling when applying for NZD $2,500. If applying for NZD$500, then a day’s course is expected.  This can be, but is not limited to:  

  • Observing in an Acute Eye Clinic with the clinic's main focus is anterior segment eyecare.

  • Learning how to fit speciality contact lenses in a practicum-based environment with either
          1. A council-approved optometrist or;
          2. A hospital setting or;
          3. Surgical rotations.

  • Upskilling in Specialist Procedures

  • Any other possibilities will be considered.


Winners will be published in NZ Optics and on CCLS's Website, eNews and Social Media.

The Cornea and Contact Lens Society for New Zealand Council (or a sub-committee if appropriate) will review applications and award the prize. The scholarship value and its spending are allocated for reasonable costs. These may include travel costs and tuition fees of education. There is an expectation that scholarship winners will present at a CCLS conference - usually the year following their scholarship - to advise the members on their scholarship experience and key learnings. This usually comprises a 5 minute talk. Conference expenses are at the individual’s expense, and not covered by the scholarship or CCLS.

Applications can be made until August 1st 2026. Acceptance of the scholarship implies agreement to the terms above, and for the recipient have their details and/or photos used in the above publications.