Leanne Leung, Kandace Alfred and Bee Bui.
DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings (NASDAQ: EYE) has selected a grand prize winner and two runner-up recipients for its 2017-2018 grant program. Chosen from a total of 40 entries, this year’s winning entries were submitted by students from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry, University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry and University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk on “Start With Why,” National Vision asked third- and fourth-year students to think about what inspired them to become optometrists and what they believe to be their personal mission as future optometrists. Students could enter to win by submitting a 500-word essay or a short video. A panel of judges from National Vision selected the winners.

The first place grand prize of $5,000 grand prize was awarded to Leanne Leung, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry, Class of 2019. A runner-up prize of $1,000 prize was awarded to Kandace Alfred, University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry, Class of 2018. Bee Bui, University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry, Class of 2019 was also awarded a runner-up prize of $1,000.

“This is always my favorite time of year because the entries we receive through the grant program motivate our team to pause and reflect on what inspires today’s optometry students, why they are entering the field and what they hope to accomplish in their career,” said Mauricio Wissinger, vice president, Professional Services, National Vision. “We were pleased to see that many applicants expressed a passion for creating healthier communities by providing quality eyecare to those in need. The fact that so many students are inspired to make sure everyone has access to eyecare gives us a positive outlook on the future of our industry.”