VSP Vision News

VSP Vision News

VSP Vision and Heart of America Eye Care Congress Announce 2023 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship Recipient

VSP Vision™, along with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress, is proud to announce the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship: Aubry Tackett, a fourth-year student at Northeastern State University – Oklahoma College of Optometry.

The opportunity to impact the lives of her future patients is one of the main reasons why Aubry wants to become an optometrist. Throughout optometry school, Aubry has maintained a 3.913 GPA and held many leadership positions, such as vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists. After graduation, Aubry hopes to complete a residency with an emphasis in cornea and contact lenses.

This scholarship was created in 2019 to honor Dr. Frank D. Fontana, an optometric trailblazer and former VSP® Ambassador. Affectionately known as “Uncle Frank,” Dr. Fontana practiced for nearly 70 years, leaving an unmatched legacy behind as a colleague, mentor, and friend to many.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants submit an essay on how they demonstrate the four professional characteristics at which Dr. Fontana excelled: empathy, clinical excellence, innovation, and community involvement.

Aubry received a $4,250 scholarship, plus a $750 travel grant to the Heart of America Eye Care Congress in February 2023. Learn more about how VSP supports the future of optometry here.