Bursaries of over £1,000 have been awarded to 25 first year optical students by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM).
Over 240 applicants applied to the scheme which was set up earlier this year.
Applicants were asked to explain what had inspired their interest in their particular branch of the optical profession and how the bursary would make a difference to their studies.
Professor Chris Hull, Chairman of the WCSM Education Trust, said: ‘We are delighted at the success of the scheme in its first year. It is really important that we keep working to attract talented individuals into all branches of optics for the future of the profession. There were some inspiring applications amongst the 240 we received and we will watch the progress of the successful candidates with interest.’