National Vision awards scholarships to optometric students during NOA Convention 2025

From left: Dominica Dzakah; Antoinette Kanayo; Monica Thu Do. Image credit: National Vision

Optical retailer National Vision has awarded a total of $7000 in scholarships to 3 optometry students as part of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) scholarship program.¹ Dominica Dzakah, Antionette Kanayo, and Monica Thu Do were chosen from a pool of applicants who submitted essays and videos that answered a prompt regarding exploring the link between vision health and success in school and the workplace, particularly in underserved communities, according to a news release.

“These students exemplify what it means to lead with both clinical skill and compassion,” said Alexander Smith, OD, head of Doctor Network at National Vision, in the release. “Their ideas reflect the real-world challenges people face when vision care is out of reach, and the incredible potential optometrists have to bridge that gap.”

Dzakah, of Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s Class of 2025, took first place with a scholarship of $4000; Kanayo, of University of Houston College of Optometry’s Class of 2027, took second place with $2000; and Thu Do, of UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science’s Class of 2027, took third place with $1000. The winners were awarded their scholarships during this year’s National Optometric Association (NOA) Convention, held July 17 to 20 in Columbus, Ohio.¹

“This scholarship is about more than financial support — it’s about investing in future doctors who are already stepping up to make a difference,” Smith added in the release. “We can’t wait to see what these students accomplish next.”

National Vision launched the scholarship in 2015 and works to honor NOSA members for their academic excellence, community involvement, and dedication to serving minority and underserved populations.¹

Other initiatives

National Vision has segmented its corporate responsibility into social, employees, environment, and governance pillars in its SEE+G framework. Additionally, National Vision also publishes an Impact Report that focuses on the company’s philanthropic efforts and sustainability assessments to identify areas of focus and opportunities each year. The company is currently focused on expanding its remote care initiative in order to improve access to care for underserved areas, supporting the next generation of optometrists by donating to optometry schools, beginning waste and energy audits of the company’s lab and distribution facilities, and maturing the supply chain risk management. Since 2016, National Vision has donated over $1.5 million to optometry schools.²

In part of its social impact initiatives in 2022, the company joined VisionSpring on a trip to Ghana to assess the vision crisis in the country. Following the trip, National Vision donated $100,000 to VisionSpring’s Livelihoods in Focus initiative, which provides eye care and eye wear to low-income workers. The program intends to correct the vision of more than 6 million people by 2030.²

References:

1. National Vision celebrates 11 years of supporting NOSA students with $7000 in scholarships. News release. Businesswire. July 29, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250729262639/en/National-Vision-Celebrates-11-Years-of-Supporting-NOSA-Students-with-%247000-in-Scholarships

2. We’re on a mission to make a difference in the world. National Vision. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.nationalvision.com/corporate-responsibility/