Optica members can be a scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, entrepreneur, student and more. But they can have other titles as well, including parent or caregiver. To support members who play those roles, members can receive grants to help cover extra expenses incurred when participating in an Optica meeting.
Grants of up to US$500 per family, per calendar year, are available to assist members who need to bring family members to selected Optica-managed meetings or conferences, who incur extra expenses if leaving them at home (e.g., extra daycare or babysitting services, dependent care, etc.), or need assistance at a meeting due to a disability. Grants of up to US$200 are available for attendance of a virtual Congress or Topical meeting. Grants may only be used for a single Optica-sponsored meeting or conference.
Allowable Expenses
- Care providers: onsite at the conference location or extra expenses for additional family care at home.
- Travel: Airfare/hotel for a caregiver to accompany the family member to the conference location.
Not Eligible for Reimbursement
- Meals, toys, onsite transportation and tickets to museums or other attractions.
- Regular family care expenses (nanny, babysitter, after-school care, nurse, etc.) not related to attendance at the meeting or conference.
Family Care Grants 2025
Optica members can be a scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, entrepreneur, student and more. But they can have other titles as well, including parent or caregiver. To support members who play those roles, members can receive grants to help cover extra expenses incurred when participating in an Optica meeting.
Grants of up to US$500 per family, per calendar year, are available to assist members who need to bring family members to selected Optica-managed meetings or conferences, who incur extra expenses if leaving them at home (e.g., extra daycare or babysitting services, dependent care, etc.), or need assistance at a meeting due to a disability. Grants of up to US$200 are available for attendance of a virtual Congress or Topical meeting. Grants may only be used for a single Optica-sponsored meeting or conference.
Allowable Expenses
- Care providers: onsite at the conference location or extra expenses for additional family care at home.
- Travel: Airfare/hotel for a caregiver to accompany the family member to the conference location.
Not Eligible for Reimbursement
- Meals, toys, onsite transportation and tickets to museums or other attractions.
- Regular family care expenses (nanny, babysitter, after-school care, nurse, etc.) not related to attendance at the meeting or conference.