National Optometric Association Convention

Pictured (left to right): Courtney Goode ’17OD; Fatimah Hassan ’18OD; Monae Kelsey, associate director of Student Engagement and assistant director of Admissions; Stefanie Hwang ’16OD; Evelyn Dearing ’17OD.

The National Optometric Association (NOA) recently held its 48th annual convention in Chicago, IL. Each year, the NOA holds this conference as a forum for optometrists and researchers to assemble in celebration of its extensive history, and focus on current issues in the optometric community. Faculty and students from Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) were in attendance as several members of the PCO chapter of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)  received esteemed awards.

Fatimah Hassan ’18OD, Salus/PCO NOSA chapter president, received the 2016 VSP Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award. The award is named for Marvin R. Poston OD who along with several optometrists formed what is now known as VSP Vision Care. Hassan, who is the third recipient of the award, clearly demonstrated commitment to a career of leadership and service in optometry.  After evaluating Hassan’s leadership abilities, a committee of VSP employees presented the award, along with a $2,500 prize.

For the second consecutive year, a Salus/PCO NOSA member received the John L. Howlette and C. Clayton Powell Student Founder’s Award for Leadership. Courtney Goode ’17OD, Salus/PCO NOSA executive board vice president, was this year’s awardee. In order to be considered, applicants must have demonstrated leadership within the profession and community while being a first, second, or third year optometry student. A committee determined Goode demonstrated promise to the profession, diligence to excellence, and compassion for the visual welfare of humanity in a way that reflects the spirits of Drs. John L. Howlette and C. Clayton Powell, co-founders of the NOA.

Stefanie Hwang ’16OD, former Salus/PCO NOSA chapter president and NOSA national recording secretary, received the National Vision Essay Grant, Second Place on the Topic: Biggest Challenges Facing the Optometric Profession. Hwang met several criteria to be considered for the award, of which included a one page resume that highlighted community service and involvement in optometric organizations, and an in-depth 500 word essay. Ms. Hwang was presented the award along with a $2,000 prize.

The Walmart/Sam’s Club NOSA Leadership Award was awarded to Evelyn Dearing ‘17OD, former Salus/PCO NOSA chapter president, after demonstrating her leadership skills in the field of optometry. In order to receive this prestigious scholarship and associated benefits, Dearing completed a rigorous application, submitted an essay, and provided a glowing faculty recommendation letter. In addition, she was awarded an Allergan Travel Grant for associated expenses and was also named a Cooper Vision Future Contact Lens Leader, for exhibiting leadership qualities and a high interest in the field of contact lenses.