Winners Recognized for Future-Focused Perspectives on AI’s Role in Expanding Eye Care Access

National Vision, Inc., one of the nation’s largest optical retailers providing quality, affordable eye care and eyewear, announced today the winners of its 10th annual scholarship program, awarding $12,500 in scholarships to empower the next generation of optometrists as they shape the future of eye care.

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Pictured from left to right: Faye Nie; Victoria Cao; Isabella Jenson (Photo: Business Wire)

Each year, the program challenges optometry students to explore a topic shaping the future of eye care through essays or videos. For the 2024-2025 scholarship, students tackled “AI and the Future of Eye Care,” examining the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the field. Winners were selected for their forward-thinking perspectives on how AI can enhance accessibility, improve patient outcomes, and help optometrists bring innovative, high-quality care to diverse communities.

"AI is reshaping health care, and it's exciting to see how future optometrists are thinking about its potential," said Alexander Smith, O.D., Head of Doctor Network at National Vision. "This year’s scholarship winners offered fresh, innovative ideas on how AI can enhance accessibility and improve patient outcomes. As technology advances, the role of optometrists in driving meaningful, patient-centered innovation has never been more important."

The 2024-2025 scholarship program winners include:

• First Place ($7,500): Faye Nie, Southern California College of Optometry, Class of 2025
• Runner-Up ($2,500): Victoria Cao, University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, Class of 2026
• Runner-Up ($2,500): Isabella Jenson, Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2026

The program was open to third- and fourth-year optometry students in good standing at an optometry school in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. A panel of licensed optometrists reviewed each submission, selecting one exceptional winner and two outstanding runners-up. Students were encouraged to explore the role of AI in shaping the future of eye care, supported by credible research and insights from any relevant projects or initiatives they’ve contributed to in advancing accessibility and innovation within the field.

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,200 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates four retail brands: America’s Best, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and an e-commerce website DiscountContacts.com, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

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