(L to R) Students receiving awards and National Vision executives are Carly Schenck of National Vision, student winners Priscilla Chang, Sterlin Blakley and Jaelyn DeBerry, and Angela Lehmkuhle of National Vision.

DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, has announced the winners of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) grant through its partnership with the National Optometric Association (NOA). The three students awarded a total of $7,000 were announced at the NOSA Scholarship Awards presentation, which was held during the 50th Annual NOA Convention & CE Program late last month. This year’s grant essay topic, inspired by Simon Sinek, consultant and author of “What is Your Why?” asked students to share their “why,” by explaining what their personal mission will be as a future doctor of optometry. All active NOSA members in good standing with an optometry school in the U.S. or Puerto Rico were eligible to enter and submit responses in a 500-word essay or short video.

The 2018 National Vision NOSA grant winners included:

• First place ($4,000) - Jaelyn DeBerry, Southern College of Optometry, 2019
• Second place ($2,000) - Priscilla Chang, Illinois College of Optometry, 2019
• Third place ($1,000) - Sterlin Blakley, UAB School of Optometry, 2019

According to the announcement, 2018 marked National Vision’s third year partnering with the NOA to provide $7,000 in grants to three students that have a membership with NOSA. The NOA’s mission, “advancing the visual health of minority populations,” aligns directly with National Vision’s mission of making quality eyecare and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the announcement said.

“National Vision is proud to support the students of the NOSA who help to carry out the mission of the NOA,” Alexander Smith, OD, vice president professional services at National Vision, said in the announcement. “These future optometrists all demonstrated resolute personal missions that will guide them to a bright future. We’re honored to be a part of their journey.”