Oct. 30, 2024 — Transitions Optical, in collaboration with its diversity advisory board, has announced the recipients of its first-ever Diversity in Optical educational grant program. The initiative aims to support and increase representation within the U.S. optical industry by awarding grants to students pursuing careers in optometry and opticianry.
“We are thrilled to recognize and support our outstanding grant program awardees in their endeavors,” says Arlene Barringer, senior marketing manager, trade communications, Transitions. “The diversity of all applicants—from first-generation college students to those among the marginalized groups currently underrepresented in the U.S. optical industry—shows progress in achieving a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive optical industry for the next generation.”
The 2024 grants were awarded to five students selected from more than 40 applicants nationwide. Two optometry students received $5,000 grants each, while three opticianry students received $1,000 grants.
Optometry Grant Awardees:
- Joshua Joseph, a third-year student at the University of Houston College of Optometry
- De’ja Montgomery, a second-year student at the University of Houston College of Optometry
Opticianry Grant Awardees:
- Nora Marcela Ortiz Canales, starting the opticianry program at Hillsborough Community College
- Sophia Ambroise Mocarski, enrolled in the opticianry program at Connecticut State Community College
- Jing Yang, also a student in the opticianry program at Connecticut State Community College
These grants aim to assist students with expenses related to their optical education, such as textbooks and tuition. Transitions Optical’s diversity advisory board, composed of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians from prominent minority demographic groups, evaluated applications and selected the awardees.
In addition to the financial award, all recipients have been invited to attend Transitions Academy.
With the goal of fostering a diverse pipeline of talent, Transitions Optical plans to continue this grant program, with a call for applications expected in early 2025.