DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings is now accepting entries for its annual grant program. Now in its fourth year, National Vision is focusing this year’s program on optometrists’ role in public health, as many of the health issues that can be diagnosed during an eye exam are being seen at high volumes and are considered significant public health issues. The company is challenging students to explain how they will make an impact by combatting a national or regional public health issue as a future doctor of optometry for a chance to win a $5,000 grant.

To enter, applicants must be a third- or fourth-year optometry student attending a school in the U.S. Students are asked to choose a public health issue and write a 500-word essay or create a short video (no longer than five minutes) that addresses questions such as:
• How would the public health issue you selected present itself during an eye exam?
• What steps can a doctor of optometry take to proactively combat that public health issue?
• Have you gained experience with any public health issues during your externships or through clinical experience?

A flyer with additional information and entry requirement details is available on the Students section of the Optometry Careers page at www.nationalvision.com.

“The importance of optometrists in addressing public health issues cannot be overstated,” said Alexander Smith, OD, vice president, professional services, National Vision. “Optometrists are many times the first health care providers to detect such health issues, and we play a critical part in the path to diagnosis and treatment. Whether the issue is pervasive like diabetes or a regional concern like Lyme disease, the optometry profession can and should make a difference.”

All submissions and questions regarding the 2018-2019 program should be sent to Carly.Schenck@nationalvision.com by Jan. 31, 2019. The winners, including two runner-up recipients, will be announced before March 1, 2019.