(Press Release) VSP Vision Care has announced Rina Sheth as the 2015 recipient of the VSP Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award.
Sheth is the second individual to receive the award recognizing exemplary young leaders in the field of optometry who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment of VSP Vision Care founding member Dr. Marvin R. Poston.
Sheth, a second-year student at Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) and President of the school’s National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), beamed, “I was so shocked and honored to receive the Marvin R. Poston award. Optometry makes me feel like I’m working towards a greater goal. I want to devote my life to giving people a better standard of life.”
Sheth demonstrated her commitment to the profession through several accomplishments including growing her school’s nearly dormant NOSA Chapter to more than 220 active members.
She pioneered a dozen vision screenings for children, adults and veterans in the Chicago-land area, and piloted ICO’s inaugural Spanish workshop to better serve the concentrated local Spanish-speaking population.
In regards to her accomplishments, says Sheth, “NOSA, along with the NOA, is working tirelessly every month to help our neighboring communities to give healthcare to underprivileged populations, but there is always more work to do for our communities. I think we would truly be making Dr. Poston proud.”
“This award,” says Kate Renwick-Espinosa, incoming President of VSP Vision Care, “was created to celebrate the forward-thinking and philanthropic spirit of an up-and-coming leader. At VSP, we invest in trailblazers who are making their mark by helping people see. Rina is a shining example of what this award is all about.”
Qualification criteria for the VSP Marvin R Poston Leadership Award include:
➤ Optometry student in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
➤ Active member of NOSA, serving in a leadership role with the national organization or local chapter.
➤ Committed to a career of leadership and service to the profession of optometry.
➤ Business-minded student who is preparing for a career in private-practice optometry.
As for what’s next, says Sheth, “I’m working towards a greater goal and making a difference not only for myself, but for others around me. It is truly a rewarding career helping this world to see.”
Sheth was presented with the award at the National Optometric Association’s 47th annual conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina on July 11. In addition to the recognition, Sheth will also receive a one-time award of $2,500.