ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Funded by members and supporters of The Vision Council, the Opening Your Eyes Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) charity designed to provide financial assistance and career opportunities to minority high school seniors throughout the U.S. who have an interest in pursuing a career in the optical industry. Available upon application to any student enrolled full-time in an Opticianry Program at partner schools within the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS), the scholarship was created by The Vision Council.

Currently a student at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Amaya Moore will be awarded $6,000 per year, as well as reimbursement of certification and state exam fees. Scholarships are renewable each year upon successful completion of all course work.

“I’ve been interested in a career in opticianry since middle school,” said Moore. “This scholarship will allow me to pursue my dream and help others who need eyewear correction in Georgia.”

Moore graduated with honors and 30 college credits from Valdosta Early College Academy in 2021. As an eyeglass wearer herself, she felt she could relate to people needing eyewear correction and at her eighth-grade graduation, presented her future career path… in opticianry. After graduation, Moore plans to obtain licensure in both Georgia and Florida, seeking employment opportunities in both states.

“Congratulations to Amaya on being selected by Wiregrass to receive the Opening Your Eyes Scholarship,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “This industry is filled with people dedicated to helping people look and feel their best and we welcome you.”

Moore was awarded the scholarship during a ceremony on Tuesday, March 7 at the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College campus in Valdosta, Georgia.

For more information about scholarships contact Bonnie Whitfield at bwhitfield@thevisioncouncil.org.