IL SB3579

Department of Public Health establishes an educational loan repayment assistance program for optometrists practicing in Illinois, effective January 1, 2025, with applications accepted beginning July 1, 2025.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Illinois residents, practicing full-time as licensed optometrists in Illinois, currently repaying educational loans, and willing to commit to at least 3 years of full-time practice in the state.

Department awards annual grants equal to the educational loan amount applicants must repay each year, with a lifetime maximum of $25,000 per recipient, and recipients must use grants specifically to pay off educational loans.

Recipients who fail to fulfill the 3-year full-time practice obligation must repay the Department the full amount received plus interest.

Department may use up to 5% of program appropriations for administration and promotion of optometrist incentive programs.