HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—ClearVision Optical, in collaboration with the Optical Women’s Association (OWA), is announcing the launch of the ClearVision-Adira Grants program to facilitate personal and professional development for women in the optical industry. The initiative, funded by a donation from ClearVision in alignment with the launch of its women’s brand, Adira, will award five grants of $2,000 each. To qualify for the grant program, OWA members will submit individualized essays, with space provided to reflect on how the grant will assist in their professional or personal lives, and what they need to help them achieve their goals or overcome challenges.

Eligibility for the grant is exclusive to OWA members, though potential applicants can sign up for membership before applying.

There will be two rounds of grants. The first round will award two of the five grants, while the second round will award the remaining three. Entry for the first round will open shortly following Vision Expo East and close one month later, when the finalists will be announced. The second round will begin in August.

For each round of submissions, a panel determined by the OWA and ClearVision will select finalists. OWA members will then have a chance to vote for winners from among the chosen nominees. Essays will be anonymized for the voting process.

David Friedfeld, co-owner and president of ClearVision, said, “The foundational role of my mother Mimi Friedfeld, as a founding member of the OWA, underscores ClearVision’s deep-rooted commitment to supporting women in the optical industry. This collaboration with the OWA through the ClearVision-Adira Grants, as well as our Platinum Sponsorship of the organization, reflects a legacy of empowerment and our shared mission with the OWA to champion women’s achievements and potential in our field. We look forward to the positive impact these grants will have.”

Lorie Lippiatt, OD, president of the OWA, said, “The grant program, supported by ClearVision and the Adira brand, embodies the OWA’s mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support. By submitting personal essays, our members will have opportunities to amplify their voices, contributing to a richer, more diverse industry dialogue. This initiative not only furthers our core mission but also opens pathways for greater involvement and recognition within the field.”

More information about the grants will be available to OWA members in the coming weeks. In the meantime, interested applicants can visit the dedicated webpage here.