Jan. 21, 2021 — The Vision Council (TVC), through the Better Vision Institute, has launched the Open Your Eyes Scholarship Program, a 501(c)(3) charity designed to support high school students in marginalized communities throughout the U.S. who have an interest in pursuing a career in the optical industry. TVC has shared that the program will support selected students through monetary scholarships to opticianry school, paid internships, and mentorships. 

“We all take great pride in how much vision impacts lives, and this scholarship is an extension of that, showing how the vision community can impact lives, as well,” says Ashley Mills, CEO of TVC. “With the support of the vision care community, we will provide deserving students with not only the resources, but also the tools, guidance, and work experience they need to succeed. We invite the vision care community to help us reach our goal of raising $1 million dollars by making a donation. Together, we can launch the next generation of opticianry students.”

The Better Vision Institute is an educational foundation connected to TVC, which has been maintained yet mostly inactive for the past several years.The Foundation is now activated to make educational grants.

“Some of the communities we will be working with have a mean household income that is less than the average licensed dispensing optician’s salary,” says Tarrence Lackran, director of programs and partnerships at TVC. “Therefore, the tools and skills this scholarship will provide have the potential to truly change some of these students’ lives. In addition, being able to bring professionals to our industry from diverse racial backgrounds will elevate our industry and fill the need for a more inclusive community.”

To align with the launch of the scholarship program, TVC and the Better Vision Institute are hosting a virtual auction, featuring items and experiences donated by TVC members, with all proceeds donated directly to the scholarship program.

To view all auction offerings: 32auctions.com/O-YES.

The auction beings on Jan. 20 and bids will be accepted until Wednesday. Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. ET, following a virtual happy hour hosted by Mills during TVC’s 2021 Executive Summit. The virtual happy hour will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET, and will feature a surprise appearance by a multi-Grammy-award winning artist.

To learn more about the scholarship program: thevisioncouncil.org/members/diversity-equity-and-inclusion.