PINELLAS PARK, Fla.— Transitions Optical announced the winners of its first-ever student video contest. The company asked optometry and opticianry students to submit short videos that encouraged patients to see Life well lit, complementing its global communications campaign. More than 25 videos were submitted to the Transitions Student Showcase YouTube Page and grand prize packages were awarded to nine students. Four additional students received finalist packages.

“We are really pleased with the results of the first video showcase,” said Cheri Guy, professional development manager, Transitions Optical. “The goal of the contest is to encourage students to be inspired to make a difference in the optical industry while enjoying what they do, and I think that comes through in the submissions.”

Finalists were selected based on the number of “likes” their video received from YouTube viewers and from that group, grand prize winners were selected by a panel of judges based on creativity and appropriate messaging for the Life well lit campaign. Grand prize winners received $500 and an all-expense paid trip to Tampa, Fla. in April for a weekend of education and training from industry experts and a tour of the Transitions Optical headquarters. Finalists received a $100 cash prize.

Details for the 2014 video showcase contest will be announced in the fall.The grand prize winners were:

• Lydell Cayaditto, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
• Shirleen Charley, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
• Benjamin Cohen, Erie Community College
• Sara Donnan, Roane State Community College
• Tram Le, Southern California College of Optometry
• Vittorio Mena, Salus University
• Ryan Nicholas, Western University of Health Sciences
• Lanaeda Tortalita, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
• Elizabeth Walsh, Illinois College of Optometry

Additional winners:

• Kelly Bangs, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
• Tim Ng, Southern California College of Optometry
• Andrew Pearce, Durham Technical Community College
• Ravi Shukla, Illinois College of Optometry