(PRESS RELEASE) DULUTH, GA – National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, announced winners of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) grant through its partnership with the National Optometric Association (NOA). The three students awarded a total of $7,000 were announced Friday, July 13th at the NOSA Scholarship Awards presentation during the 50th Annual NOA Convention & CE Program.
Pictured from left to right: Carly Schenck of National Vision, Priscilla Chang, Sterlin Blakley, Jaelyn DeBerry, Angela Lehmkuhle of National Vision
This year’s grant essay topic, inspired by Simon Sinek, consultant and author of “What is Your Why?” asked students to share their “why,” by explaining what their personal mission will be as a future Doctor of Optometry. All active NOSA members in good standing with an optometry school in the U.S. or Puerto Rico were eligible to enter and submit responses in a 500-word essay or short video.
The 2018 National Vision NOSA grant winners included:
- First place ($4,000) – Jaelyn DeBerry, SCO 2019
- Second place ($2,000) – Priscilla Chang, ICO 2019
- Third place ($1,000) – Sterlin Blakley, UAB 2019
2018 marked National Vision’s third year partnering with the NOA to provide $7,000 in grants to three students that have a membership with the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA). The NOA’s mission, “advancing the visual health of minority populations,” aligns directly with National Vision’s mission of making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible. NOA community service projects and NOSA screenings enhance vision care services in often-underserved minority communities. Through this grant, National Vision hopes to encourage students to continue their work in primary care and to recognize its importance in communities nationwide.
“National Vision is proud to support the students of the NOSA who help to carry out the mission of the NOA,” said Alexander Smith, OD, Vice President Professional Services, National Vision. “These future optometrists all demonstrated resolute personal missions that will guide them to a bright future. We’re honored to be a part of their journey.”