VSP Vision, in partnership with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress, has named John Luder, a fourth-year student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship.
In his application essay, Luder reflected on the professional values that guide his approach to patient care, citing a commitment to ongoing clinical education, improving patients’ quality of life, and supporting the next generation of optometrists through outreach and advocacy:
“Dr. Fontana inspires me to continue to research and learn new clinical methods to not only improve the vision and quality of life of my future patients but also pave the way for the next generation,” he wrote. “I plan to build my career, incorporating the values and clinical expertise optometrists like Dr. Fontana have displayed for decades, and I plan to give back through community outreach and advocacy for this profession.”
The scholarship honors Frank D. Fontana, who practiced optometry for nearly 70 years and was widely recognized for his dedication to patient care, mentorship, and service to the profession.
The Fontana Memorial Scholarship is open to third- and fourth-year optometry students who are actively engaged in patient care and either reside in Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, or Missouri, or attend the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry or Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.
Luder received a $4,250 scholarship and a $750 travel grant to attend the Heart of America’s Eye Care Congress conference, held February 20-22 in Kansas City. According to VSP Vision, he was selected based on criteria reflecting the qualities associated with Dr. Fontana’s career: clinical performance, compassionate patient care, adoption of modern technologies, and involvement in the optometric community.
“John exemplifies the spirit of clinical excellence, compassion, and innovation that defined Uncle Frank’s career,” said Michelle Skinner, chief provider solutions officer at VSP Vision. “We congratulate him on this well‑deserved recognition and look forward to the meaningful impact he will make on patient care and the future of optometry.”
VSP Vision reported that it has provided more than $4 million in scholarships and grant support to optometry students to date. Additional information about scholarship opportunities is available through the organization’s provider resources.