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For Applicants

The Heed Ophthalmic Foundation is pleased to announce that the application cycle for the 2026 Heed Fellowship awards is currently open from January 1, 2026, to March 1, 2026.

Established by Thomas Heed in 1945, the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation has provided over 11 million dollars in funding and awarded over 1,100 fellowships to assist individuals pursuing postgraduate students in ophthalmology. The appointed individuals receive a Merit Award of $10,000 and are recognized as Heed Fellows. Learn more by reviewing the FAQ and eligibility requirements below.

Following are helpful tips:

  • PDF requirement: All uploaded documents (letters, applicant biosketches) are required to be in PDF format. Please save Word documents as PDFs before attempting to add to the application.
  • There are only two required letters - one letter from the Department Chair or the Residency Program Director (a combined letter from the Chair and Residency Program Director) is also acceptable), and one letter from the Fellowship Preceptor. Extra letters are not accepted.
  • Letters are uploaded as PDF documents by letter writers, or their designates, directly into the application portal.
  • Applicants will initiate an email from their application to request letters of recommendation. The request will include a link for the letter writer to upload the letter directly to the individual's application. Applicants will waive the right to see the letter. The letters will not be visible to Applicants; however, they will be able to check their application to see if letters have been uploaded. 
    • Letter writers: please watch for these email requests and save them. Applicants will be able to reissue requests if needed. Check Junk mail and Spam folders as they sometimes end up there.
    • Applicants: please notify your letter writers that you have initiated the email to them so they know to look for it.
  • Applicants will submit a modified NIH biosketch form in PDF format and have a 500-word limit on the personal statement. The biosketch form provides an opportunity to expand on information that will not fit into the 500-word limit.

All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants can create accounts here.

Please contact the Heed Office at [email protected] with any questions.

Kind regards,
David Wilson
Executive Secretary

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Heed Fellowship Application FAQ and Eligibility