SAN DIEGO—The International Vision Conference, sponsored by OD Excellence, is requesting submissions for an essay contest on “What is the Future of Optometry?” Three winners will be presented with the “2014 Student of the Year Award” at the International Vision Conference to be held at the San Diego Bay Manchester Grand Hyatt, July 31 to Aug. 2, 2014.

Essays should be 500 words in length, and only fourth-year optometry students are eligible. A letter of recommendation must accompany each entry. The deadline is July 1, 2014. “Each year, we encounter young optometry students who have outstanding clinical skills, but they also must have business knowledge to succeed in these fluid and challenging times,” said Jerry Lieblein, OD, co-founder and CEO of OD Excellence. “With this essay contest, we’re looking for students with a unique vision for where our profession is headed—and a plan to get there.”

Essays will be evaluated for originality and passion for the profession by a Student of the Year Award Committee, which includes representatives from OD Excellence and from sponsors of the International Vision Conference, Europa Eyewear, The Edge and International Vision Expo. 

The first place winner will be awarded $1,000, second place will receive $750, and third place will win $500. In addition, each recipient will receive $500 toward travel expenses to the meeting and will have their lodging, meals and education covered as well.