The Armed Forces Optometric Foundation (501(c)(3), is proud to establish the Dr. Carla Engelke Memorial Resident Travel Fund in honor of Dr. Engelke’s extraordinary legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service to federal service optometry.

 

Dr. Engelke was deeply dedicated to supporting VA optometry residents and encouraging them to become actively involved in the profession through organizations such as the Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services (AFOS). She believed strongly that attending national professional meetings provided residents with invaluable opportunities to learn, build professional relationships, and develop as future leaders in federal service optometry.

 

However, Dr. Engelke also recognized that the cost of travel and attendance at national meetings can create a significant financial barrier for many residents. Helping to remove this barrier was a cause that mattered deeply to her.

 

In fact, Dr. Engelke played an integral role in the establishment of the Armed Forces Optometric Foundation, with one of its goals being to raise funds to support resident education and professional development, including travel support to attend national meetings.

 

To honor her vision and continue her commitment to mentorship, the Dr. Carla Engelke Memorial Resident Travel Fund will provide travel grants to VA Optometry Residents to attend national professional meetings. These grants will help ensure that residents have the opportunity to participate in educational programming, engage with leaders and colleagues in the profession, and become involved in organized optometry—just as Dr. Engelke so passionately encouraged.

 

Through this fund, Dr. Engelke’s legacy will continue to inspire and support future generations of federal service optometrists.