(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS — An electrifying showdown took place at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, TN for the 33rd annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Optometry Student Bowl powered by EssilorLuxottica on Thursday. Student representatives from 26 schools and colleges of optometry fearlessly battled through rounds of competition for a chance to win significant prizes and coveted bragging rights by answering optometry-related questions that are created by an esteemed panel of optometric educators. A crowd of over 700 impassioned students and alumni, armed with giant signs and noisemakers, gathered for this marquee event to cheer on their school.
Tyson Montgomery from The Ohio State University College of Optometry took home first prize which included a $2,000 award from the AOSA and a package of equipment to outfit his practice post-graduation. The Ohio State University College of Optometry will have the honor of keeping the Ventura Cup until next year’s Optometry Student Bowl at Optometry’s Meeting 2025.
“EssilorLuxottica is proud to collaborate with the AOSA to bring one-of-a-kind educational opportunities like the Optometry Student Bowl to life and continue to help nurture the future of our profession,” said Dr.Ryan Parker, senior director of medical and professional affairs at EssilorLuxottica North America. “The event allows optometry students across the country to engage in education in a fun and innovative way. EssilorLuxottica applauds the passion for optometry showcased tonight by all the competitors, students, and alumni in the crowd.”
While Montgomery won the top prize, Karli Clark from the Illinois College of Optometry took home second place and received an award of $1,500 from the AOSA. Third place went to Abbey Kuborn from the Indiana School of Optometry who received $1,000 from the AOSA.
Event Emcee
- Dr. Ryan Parker, Senior Director Medical and Professional Affairs, EssilorLuxottica North America
This year’s prestigious panel of judges included:
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- Dr. Jacquie Bowen, Vice President of the American Optometric Association. She is a past president of the Colorado Optometric Association (COA) and is a member of the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Glaucoma Society, and a legislative keyperson to Colorado. She is a graduate of Southern California College of Optometry.
- Dr. Amanda Dexter, Medical Director OptoPrep. She is past President of California Optometric Association and the San Diego County Optometric Society. She is a graduate from Southern California College of Optometry.
- Pete Hanlin, Vice President Professional Services, EssilorLuxottica.
Spirit Award
- The Spirit Award was given to the Michigan College of Optometry for their outstanding support of every contestant during the event. Winning the Spirit Award earns them the coveted accolade of earning a prominent feature in next year’s Optometry Student Bowl hype video played during the opening of the Bowl.
