US Case Study Competition
Share Your Clinical Insight. Get Published on Scope Connect.
The inaugural Scope Connect Student Case Study Competition invites eligible US optometry students and residents to submit original clinical case studies. The top three submissions will be published on Scope Connect and awarded a voucher of $500 to be used for educational, clinical or practice enhancement purposes.
A career-building publication opportunity for emerging eye care professionals.
Scope Connect and Optase are launching this student showcase to elevate clinical insight, curiosity, and patient-care excellence from the next generation of optometry professionals.
Top 3 submissions will see their case study published on Scope Connect and shared with optometry community.
Eight finalists shortlisted: Three top winners and five honorable mentions recognized on Scope Connect.
Showcase clinical reasoning, academic writing, and patient-care excellence early in your career.
Connect with the Scope Connect editorial ecosystem and expert-led education hub.
Three steps from case idea to submission.
Choose an original case
Select a patient-care case with clear educational value and HIPAA-compliant de-identification.
Prepare required files
Case Study document, completed submission form, patient consent form and declaration of originality
Submit by August 17
Upload everything through the official entry form. Email, postal, and third-party submissions are not accepted.
Reviewed by respected clinical and editorial leaders.
Submissions will be assessed for clinical relevance & originality, quality of clinical reasoning, evidence base & referencing, clarity of writing & strucutre, educational value.
Dr. Cory J. Lappin
OD, MS, FAAO
Founder at The Dry Eye Centre of Ohio; an award-winning, residency-trained optometrist and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry who owns a dedicated dry eye clinic.
Dr. Susan J. Gromacki
OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS
An internationally recognized optometrist, residency-trained FDA presenter, and AAO Diplomate with 26 years of experience, specializing globally in cornea and contact lenses.
Everything else you need, without the extra scrolling.
Open the sections below for detailed eligibility, awards, dates, submission materials, format, judging rules, and FAQs.
Awards and recognition
Top 3 Winners:
- Published and featured on Scope Connect
- $500 USD voucher to be used for educational, clinic or practice enhancement purposes
- Opportunity to connect with the Scope Connect editorial community
Runners-Up, 4th–8th Place:
- Scope Gift Hamper valued at approximately $150–$200
- Recognition on Scope Connect and Scope Eyecare social media platform
Eligibility
Eligible:
- Must sign up for the Scope Connect Education Hub
- Third- or fourth-year students at an accredited Doctor of Optometry program in the United States
- Optometry residents in an accredited residency program in the United States
- Individual submissions only
- Maximum of two case study submissions per entrant
Not eligible:
- First- or second-year optometry students not yet in direct patient care rotations
- Full-time employees, paid consultants, or immediate family members of Scope Health Inc. or affiliated companies
- Current or past Scope Connect Editorial or Scientific Advisory Board members
Key dates
- Contest Launch: June 17, 2026, at AOA Optometry Meeting 2026, Phoenix, AZ
- Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific
- Judging Period: September 1–30, 2026
- Finalists Notified: October 2026
- Winners Announced: American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting, Fall 2026
- Publication on Scope Connect: Within 60 days of winner announcement
How to submit
All submissions must be made through the official Scope Connect contest portal: www.scope-connect.com/studentcasestudy/entry-form.
No email, postal, or third-party submissions will be accepted.
Required submission materials
- Case Study Manuscript as .docx or PDF
- Separate Title Page
- Anonymized Manuscript with no identifying information
- Patient Consent Declaration or HIPAA-compliant de-identification declaration
- Declaration of Originality
Case study format
Case studies should be 1,000–2,000 words, excluding references and figure/image captions.
- Title, max 20 words
- Abstract, 150–250 words
- Introduction, 100–200 words
- Case Presentation
- Management & Treatment Plan
- Outcomes & Follow-Up
- Discussion
- Key Learning Points
- References
Judging criteria
- Clinical Relevance & Originality
- Quality of Clinical Reasoning
- Evidence Base & References
- Clarity of Writing & Structure
- Educational Value
Rules, academic integrity, and HIPAA
- Submissions must be original, independent work
- AI tools may be used for grammar and language editing only
- Clinical reasoning and writing must be the entrant’s own work
- Plagiarism or AI-generated clinical content may result in disqualification
- Patient information must be de-identified in compliance with HIPAA
Can I submit a case study I presented as a poster?
Yes, provided the manuscript is your original work, meets the contest requirements, is appropriately anonymized, and has not already been published as a full case study article.
Can residents from any specialty apply?
Yes. Optometry residents in accredited residency programs in the United States are eligible, including residents across specialty areas.
Can I include clinical images?
Yes, clinical images may be included when they are relevant, properly de-identified, and supported by patient consent or HIPAA-compliant de-identification documentation.
Is there a submission fee?
No. There is no submission fee for eligible entrants.
Ready to Share Your Case?
Submit your original clinical case study and help shape the future of optometric education on Scope Connect.