Optometrist Education Loan Repayment Program

Updates and Important Dates:

With the passage of HB 659, optometrists are now eligible for our loan repayment programs. The application period for optometrists opens November 16, 2026. The application link and instructions to apply will be posted at that time. 

Questions?

Contact Alexandria Dave-Moses ([email protected]) or William Hamilton ([email protected]).

Georgia Optometrist Education Loan Repayment Program (GOELRP):

  • A service-cancelable loan of $150,000.  Payment made annually over a four year duration to licensed Optometrists
GBHCW Rural Counties Map (2020 Census)
  • Assists Optometrists in repaying outstanding medical education loan debt
  • Optometrists must provide direct patient care in medically underserved, rural areas of Georgia
  • "Full-time" practice is a minimum of 40 hours per week (of which 32 hours must be direct patient contact while the remaining hours can be administrative)
  • Funding for this program is provided solely by the State of Georgia

 

Click here  (PDF, 706.93 KB) to view the Eligible Counties Map for the Georgia Optometrist Education Education Loan Repayment Program.