National Vision Awards $12,500 to 2021-2022 Scholarship Program Winners

Rhea-AI Summary

National Vision Holdings, Inc. has awarded scholarships to three optometry students as part of its seventh annual scholarship program, emphasizing the importance of affordable primary eye care. This year, a record number of entries were received, showcasing a strong interest among future optometrists. The first-place winner, Juan Giraldo, received $7,500, while Alicja Biniek and Aliya Shafi each received $2,500. The scholarships aim to support students in addressing the growing challenge of eye care accessibility.

Positive

• Record number of scholarship applicants reflects strong engagement in affordable eye care.
• Largest scholarships awarded in program history.

Negative

• None.

Three Optometry Students Earned Scholarships for Their Perspectives on the Importance of Primary Eye Care

DULUTH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- National Vision, Inc., the nation’s second largest optical retailer providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, named the winners of its seventh annual scholarship program today, awarding three optometry students the program’s largest scholarships to date. Applicants were asked to share their perspectives on the importance of affordable primary eye care in an evolving health care environment.

Pictured from left to right: Giraldo, Biniek, Shafi. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We received more entries this year than ever before, which clearly shows that the next generation of optometrists share in our passion for primary care optometry,” said Alex Louw, chief medical officer, National Vision. “National Vision and its Doctor network has remained committed to making comprehensive eye exams more affordable and accessible since our inception, and the optometrist is at the heart of making that possible.”

The 2021-2022 scholarship program winners include:

• First Place ($7,500): Juan Giraldo, University of Waterloo, The School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2022
• Runner-Up ($2,500): Alicja Biniek, Illinois College of Optometry, Class of 2022
• Runner-Up ($2,500): Aliya Shafi, University of Waterloo, The School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2022

Giraldo was the first-ever repeat winner for the program, which is open to third- and fourth-year optometry students. His thoughtful and smart perspectives were creatively expressed both years via song, placing his entries above the rest. This year’s prompt gave students the option to submit video or written essays addressing how they would be part of the solution to a problem millions of Americans face — not being able to afford an eye exam. All three winners offered unique, informed takes on their plans for making a difference as practicing optometrists. They also shed light on the critical value of comprehensive eye exams, particularly as the cost of healthcare services are ever-increasing. A panel of judges consisting of licensed optometrists evaluated each submission, ultimately selecting the first-place winner and two runners-up.

“It’s an honor to be able to reward these three promising optometry students for their intellect and drive,” Louw said. “They inspire me, and I know they’ll continue to do so as they enter their professional careers and help us turn their visions for the future of eye care into reality.”

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is the second largest optical retail company (by sales) in the United States with over 1,200 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates five retail brands: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and several e-commerce websites, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220405005325/en/

Racheal Peters

media@nationalvision.com

(470) 448-2303

Source: National Vision, Inc.

FAQ

What scholarships did National Vision Holdings, Inc. award in 2022?

National Vision Holdings, Inc. awarded scholarships to three optometry students, with the largest scholarship being $7,500.

Who won the National Vision scholarship in 2022?

The scholarship winners were Juan Giraldo (first place), and runners-up Alicja Biniek and Aliya Shafi.

What was the prompt for the National Vision scholarships in 2022?

Applicants were asked to share their perspectives on the importance of affordable primary eye care.

How much was the first-place National Vision scholarship in 2022?

The first-place scholarship awarded $7,500 to Juan Giraldo.

What is the significance of the National Vision scholarship program?

The scholarship program promotes the importance of affordable eye care and supports future optometrists in addressing accessibility issues.