The 2026-2027
National Vision
Scholarship Program
National Vision is asking third-and-fourth-year optometry students to share their perspective on “Balancing Innovation and Human Connection" for a chance to win a $7,500 scholarship!
Three Scholarships Will be Awarded:
$7,500
First Place
$2,500
Runner-Up
$2,500
Runner-Up
How to Apply:
1. Qualify
Submissions are open to 3rd- and 4th-year optometry students in good standing with an optometry school in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada.
2. Create
Write a 500-word essay or create a short video (maximum length: 5 minutes)
3. Submit
Fill out the submission form and upload your project by January 31st, 2027
The topic to cover for your entry
Balancing Innovation and Human Connection
As technology becomes further integrated into healthcare, what aspects of the patient experience should always remain human? How can optometrists strike the right balance between innovation and personalized care?
National Vision invites third- and fourth-year optometry students to explore the theme of “Balancing Innovation and Human Connection” for a chance to win a $7,500 scholarship! Share your perspective on how optometrists can embrace new technologies and tools while preserving the trust, empathy and personal connections that are central to quality patient care. Consider how innovation can enhance the patient experience without losing sight of the human relationships at the heart of healthcare.
Why is this topic important?
Technology is transforming eye care, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance clinical decision-making and better serve patients. Yet as tools like artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostics and digital health solutions become more integrated into care, trust, empathy and personal connection remain essential. As the next generation of optometrists, your perspective can help shape a future where innovation strengthens, not replaces, the human relationships at the heart of quality care.
Key Dates
January 31, 2027
Deadline to submit your entry
March 1, 2027
Winners announced
Scholarship submissions are now closed.
Past Winners
Check out the winners of the 2025-2026 program
FIRST PLACE
National Vision 2024-2025
Grant Program Awardee
Southern California College of Optometry
Class of 2025
RUNNER-UP
National Vision 2024-2025
Grant Program Awardee
University of Waterloo,
School of Optometry and Vision Science
Class of 2026
RUNNER-UP
National Vision 2024-2025
Grant Program Awardee
Arizona College of Optometry
Class of 2026
Discover a career pathway that is right for you
Find your next eye care job in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network.
Year Founded
Optometrists
Job Openings
Our Story
National Vision was originally founded in 1990. Our retail brands include America’s Best, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases.