(PRESS RELEASE) RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — The Ohio State University College of Optometry announced Dr. Richard Wan, OD, MS, as the recipient of the Ohio State Innovator Award. The $5,000 grant recognizes innovative, creative and feasible ideas presented by an optometry student.
Dr. Wan, who graduated on May 15, earned this prestigious honor by creating AR-Optical, an innovative initiative that aims to leverage augmented reality technology to improve the patient experience and quality of care in the optical space.
A selection committee that includes a representative from VSP Vision and panelists from the University has awarded this grant each year since 2018. VSP Vision is a sponsor, with additional support from the Rick Bay Foundation.
“Thank you to VSP Vision, the Rick Bay Foundation, and the OSU Student Awards Committee,” Dr. Wan said. “I am very honored to be selected for this award, and I am excited to continue development of this project.”
In addition to supporting the College of Optometry at Ohio State, VSP Vision partners with other schools of optometry around the country to help optometry students and recent graduates build their careers, establish strong relationships, and receive access to training, resources, and career opportunities.
“As part of the next generation of passionate and innovative optometrists, we congratulate and recognize Dr. Wan for the incredible ideas he developed,” said Michelle Skinner, chief growth officer at VSP Vision. “Focused on a purpose to empower human potential through sight, our organization will continue to support students of optometry through this award, as well as others in the VSP Scholarship Program.”
As a result of the strong contingent of high-caliber entries this year, three additional Ohio State optometry students were awarded a VSP Go Grant. This funding helps a student travel to a student-focused event of their choice.
“We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous support of the Rick Bay Foundation and VSP Vision,” said Melissa Bailey, OD, PhD, professor of optometry and chair of Ohio State’s Student Awards Committee. “Richard’s creative innovation and dedication to improving the patient experience and quality of care are remarkable. His future is bright and we are proud of his achievements.”