(Press Release)
ST. LOUIS – Optometry Cares–The AOA Foundation, the charitable organization of the American Optometric Association (AOA), administers numerous scholarships that encourage students to make a difference for their community and the profession of optometry. Optometry Cares and the AOA are pleased to announce the winners of the following scholarships for 2016:
Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship
Third-year student Kim Forgione of Pacific University is the recipient of the Bernard Maitenaz Scholarship ($10,000), which was created and introduced in 2014.
Sponsored by Essilor, this scholarship honors Bernard Maitenaz, inventor of the Varilux lens and one of the foremost authorities in optical science and engineering. Applicants for the scholarship must demonstrate leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and work experience, among other requirements.
Click here to watch Kim Forgione’s winning video submission regarding the impact of vision.
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InfantSEE Scholarship Grant
Shelby Nicole Baugh Bruner of University of Missouri St. Louis, College of Optometry was honored with first place ($5,000) and Kalie McCartin of Salus University, Pennsylvania College of Optometry is runner-up and was awarded second place ($2,500).
Sponsored by Vision West Inc., the InfantSEE Scholarship Grant requires third-year optometry students to submit an essay and video describing their commitment to children’s vision. They must also desire to participate in the InfantSEE program, which provides no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants within the first year of life.
Click here to watch the winning videos.
Dr. Seymour Galina Grant
Third-year student Clay Connolly of Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University is the recipient of the Dr. Seymour Galina Grant ($2,500). Applicants are required to write an essay about qualities they have developed through financial planning/work experience during and/or before optometry school that will be the most useful in a professional optometric practice.
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Dr. Pat & Patrick Cummings Scholarship
Jeremy Chartash, a fourth-year student from Nova Southeastern University was honored with the Dr. Pat & Patrick Cummings Scholarship ($5,000).
In tribute to father and son, both of whom passed away in separate tragic accidents, the Dr. Pat & Patrick Cummings Memorial Fund was established through Optometry Cares. This opportunity was generously funded by numerous individual donors, as well as a large contribution from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.
As Dr. Cummings was a dedicated philanthropist in his profession, the scholarship requires recipients to write an essay about their goals in the area of public health and leadership roles in optometry.
To learn more about endowment and scholarships offered through Optometry Cares or to make a donation to support these scholarships, visit www.aoafoundation.org/endowment-fund.
