VSP Vision and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Award More Than $200,000 in Scholarships to Future Optometrists

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – VSP Vision™ and the American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) invested in the future of eye care through the 2026 Practice Excellence Scholarship program, awarding more than $200,000 to 52 outstanding fourth-year optometry students from accredited schools across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Funded by VSP Vision and administered by AAOF, the Practice Excellence Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, clinical care, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the profession of optometry. 

“The recipients of the 2026 Practice Excellence Scholarship exemplify the talent, leadership, and dedication that will define the future of optometry,” said Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider Solutions Officer at VSP Vision. “A healthier, more sustainable profession is possible when we invest in the doctors who deliver the care. With programs like this, VSP continues to support the next generation of ODs and strengthen the future of eye care.” 

Each recipient received $4,000, including a travel grant to attend Academy 2026 Anaheim, September 30-October 3 in Anaheim, CA, which brought together leaders, researchers, and students in eye care and vision science. 

“The Board of Directors of the American Academy of Optometry Foundation congratulates the accomplished recipients of the 2026 Practice Excellence Scholarships and thank VSP Vision for their commitment to the next generation of impactful clinicians and leaders in optometry,” said Andrew Mick, OD, FAAO, President of the AAOF Board. 

Recipients of the 2026 Practice Excellence Scholarship include: 

• Hamza Moazzam, Illinois College of Optometry 
• Talia Teliani, Illinois College of Optometry 
• Hannah M. Wenzel, Indiana University School of Optometry 
• Liliana Gonzalez, Indiana University School of Optometry 
• Javier A. Bravo Busquets, Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry 
• Melanie Carrion Laureano, Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry 
• Ciara D. Boykins, Kentucky College of Optometry at University of Pikeville 
• Robin N. White, Kentucky College of Optometry at University of Pikeville 
• Carolyn Ly, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry 
• Harneil Aulakh, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry 
• Rachel M. Stone, Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University 
• Rachel Oppermann, Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University 
• Taylor J. Van Dyken, Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry 
• Veronica Chrenek, Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry 
• Cole Blough, Midwestern University – Chicago College of Optometry 
• Michael Ragheb, Midwestern University – Chicago College of Optometry 
• Anna Lauren Dorius, New England College of Optometry 
• Elizabeth Carlson, New England College of Optometry 
• Kaitlyn Goldsmith, Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry 
• McKenzie Crockett, Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry 
• Andre Mourelle, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry 
• Myrna L. Namman, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry 
• Jules Bryan, Pacific University College of Optometry 
• Mackenzie Ramsell, Pacific University College of Optometry 
• Kristen Cubillos, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University  
• Stewart Miller, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University 
• Anmol Singh Jassar, Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry 
• Anne M. Henningsen, Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry 
• Kristie Lin, Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University 
• Nhi Do, Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University 
• Alexander Nguyen, Southern College of Optometry 
• Colin Chandler, Southern College of Optometry 
• Alison Leung, State University of New York College of Optometry  
• Eileen Tan, State University of New York College of Optometry 
• Allissa Pfister, The Ohio State University College of Optometry 
• Amy Luu Ngo, The Ohio State University College of Optometry 
• Gavin J. Buba, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry  
• James Eugene Carson Hayes, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry 
• Monica Thu Ngoc Do, University of California – Berkeley - Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science 
• YuYi Lu, University of California – Berkeley – Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science 
• Jaqueline R. Valdez, University of Houston College of Optometry 
• Mindy Vu, University of Houston College of Optometry 
• Alison N. Claypool, University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry 
• Antwan Isiah Thelwell, University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry 
• Djaoudat Antaki, University of Montreal School of Optometry 
• Selena Dugas, University of Montreal School of Optometry 
• Juan C. Banuelos-Jaquez, University of the Incarnate Word Rosenburg School of Optometry  
• Katelyn E. Goodroe, University of the Incarnate Word Rosenburg School of Optometry 
• Abarnaa Arithas, University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science 
• Kanika Jaya Chera, University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science 
• Alice Chong, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry 
• Jacqueline J. Morales, Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry 

To date, VSP Vision has provided more than $4.6 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 optometry students, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to advancing the profession. To learn more about VSP Vision’s scholarship opportunities, visit: www.vspproviderhub.com/scholarships  

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About VSP Vision
At VSP Vision^™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP^® has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 44,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope^®. To date, more than 4.5 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we're reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.

About the American Academy of Optometry Foundation
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Optometry. It was founded in 1947 for “upholding, broadening, fostering, promoting, and aiding optometric education, the profession of optometry, and its practitioners.” The Foundation provides financial support for optometric research and vision and eye health education to improve patient clinical care. Learn more at www.aaopt.org/aaof.