Business
National Vision Awards $12,500 to 2021-2022 Scholarship Program Winners
Three Optometry Students Earned Scholarships for Their Perspectives on the Importance of Primary Eye Care DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- National Vision,
About this update from National Vision Holdings, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nThree Optometry Students Earned Scholarships for Their Perspectives on the Importance of Primary Eye Care\n\n DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nNational Vision, Inc., the nation’s second largest optical retailer providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, named the winners of its seventh annual scholarship program today, awarding three optometry students the program’s largest scholarships to date. Applicants were asked to share their perspectives on the importance of affordable primary eye care in an evolving health care environment.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220405005325/en/Pictured from left to right: Giraldo, Biniek, Shafi. (Photo: Business Wire)\n“We received more entries this year than ever before, which clearly shows that the next generation of optometrists share in our passion for primary care optometry,” said Alex Louw, chief medical officer, National Vision. “National Vision and its Doctor network has remained committed to making comprehensive eye exams more affordable and accessible since our inception, and the optometrist is at the heart of making that possible.”\n\nThe 2021-2022 scholarship program winners include:\n\n\nFirst Place ($7,500): Juan Giraldo, University of Waterloo, The School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2022\n\n\nRunner-Up ($2,500): Alicja Biniek, Illinois College of Optometry, Class of 2022\n\n\nRunner-Up ($2,500): Aliya Shafi, University of Waterloo, The School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2022\n\n\nGiraldo was the first-ever repeat winner for the program, which is open to third- and fourth-year optometry students. His thoughtful and smart perspectives were creatively expressed both years via song, placing his entries above the rest. This year’s prompt gave students the option to submit video or written essays addressing how they would be part of the solution to a problem millions of Americans face — not being able to afford an eye exam. All three winners offered unique, informed takes on their plans for making a difference as practicing optometrists. They also shed light on the critical value of comprehensive eye exams, particularly as the cost of healthcare services are ever-increasing. A panel of judges consisting of licensed optometrists evaluated each submission, ultimately selec...