VSPGlobal News

Congratulations to Our Recent Scholarship Winners

Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Matthew J. Martinez 

VSP Global and the Heart of America Eye Care Congress proudly announces that Matthew J. Martinez, fourth-year student at the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry, was selected to receive the Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship. Created in 2019, the prestigious Fontana Scholarship honors the legacy of iconic optometrist, Frank D. Fontana, affectionately known as “Uncle Frank.” Martinez received $5,000 as part of the scholarship this year. 

Martinez has served as the President of the local chapter of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) and helped organize campus trade shows that allowed industry organizations to share eye care trends and new technology with students. Prior to attending optometry school, Martinez also served as the surgical technician in the optometry and ophthalmology department at the Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. These opportunities taught him leadership, resilience and commitment to patient care. 

“Uncle Frank cared deeply about the next generation of optometry and this scholarship is one important way to continue to honor his memory,” said VSP Global Board Chair Mary Anne C. Murphy, OD. Learn more about the Fontana Scholarship and Matthew’s thoughts on receiving this recognition.  

2021 Berkeley Student Innovator Award Recipient: Peter Ji 

Congratulations to Peter Ji, UC Berkeley, Class of 2023! This award is a competition designed to recognize creative, innovative and feasible ideas in the areas of clinical eye care, research and practice management, among others that will impact the optical industry. He won for his innovative presentation titled, “Auto Trial Lens Demo.” The funding from this scholarship can be used for developing the idea further. 

VSP partners with the Rick Bay Foundation and provides this scholarship to UC Berkeley School of Optometry and the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Each winner receives $5,000 and the opportunity to present their winning idea at the VM Global Leadership Summit. To date, this foundation has awarded $70,000 to outstanding optometric students. 

Read the press release from UC Berkeley. 

Partnering with schools and colleges of optometry across the United States, VSP Global offers a variety of programs and services designed to help optometry students reach their career goals. As part of these efforts, students have access to a variety of scholarships offered in partnership with the schools of optometry, state associations, and more. VSP has proudly supported optometry for more than 65 years and is committed to advantaging students and new graduates coming into the profession. In total, VSP has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to optometry students. To learn more, visit vspscholarships.com.