NC S587

Establishes the North Carolina Optometry Education Grant Program to provide state grants of $11,000 per academic year to North Carolina residents enrolled full-time in doctor of optometry programs at four specified out-of-state institutions: Pennsylvania College of Optometry of Salus University, Southern College of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, or University of Houston.

Requires eligible students to be North Carolina residents for tuition purposes, enrolled full-time in an approved optometry program, and compliant with Military Selective Service Act registration requirements.

Grants administered by the State Education Assistance Authority with direct payment to students following completion of each academic year, contingent on institutional certification of student eligibility.

Appropriates $825,000 for fiscal year 2013-2014 and $825,000 for fiscal year 2014-2015; if insufficient funds exist, eligible students receive pro rata shares.

Effective July 1, 2013, with Authority required to report enrollment numbers and fund distribution data to legislative committees and the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.