HBCU Visioning The Future - National Optometric Association

Program Description

The Mentorship Program is sponsored by the Dr. Marvin R. Poston OD Education and Development Donor Advised Foundation, VSP Vision, and the National Optometric Association. There is a significant imbalance in the racial and ethnic diversity represented within Optometry as compared to the U.S. population. The number of African American/Black optometry students is drastically lower than the number of other minorities in the U.S. population. The objective of the program is to identify interested African American students at HBCU’s and facilitate their professional development and career advancement in the field of Optometry.

Donate to the National Optometric Foundation

Dr. Paula Harmon Boone – Program Director

Dr. Sherrol Reynolds – Co-Director

Dr. Edwin Marshall – Co-Director

Marlene Poston Bell – Exec. Director of Dr. Marvin R. Poston Foundation

Vernon Dela Cruz – Director of Doctor Relations

Dr. Jarrett Johnson – VSP Board of Directors

Program Overview

Identify undergraduate minority programs at HBCUs to partner with NOA.
Identify minority health field program advisors.
Identify barriers to minority students going to Optometry School.

Program Goals

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Aide

Aide students in the enrollment process into Schools and Colleges of Optometry, as well as retention and graduation.

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Enrich

Enrich students by offering opportunities for interaction with industry professionals.

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Provide

Provide networking with current student members of the National Optometric Student Association

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Create

Create an environment that fosters career and professional development.

Program Guidelines

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Eligible student must be in good academic standing- GPA minimum 3.0 or member of Pre-Health Program at an HBCU

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Meet with the mentor in-person, telephone, or video communication to discuss goals and career planning.

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Participate in shadowing opportunities

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Apply for summer University Optometric Programs

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The mentor will be an active member of the National Optometric Association

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The Poston Foundation ($1,000) and the NOA ($500) will provide a $1500 scholarship upon graduation to assist in admission preparation fees.

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The Poston Foundation ($1,000) and VSP Vision ($1,500) will provide a $2500 scholarship upon enrollment to aid in the purchase of first year equipment

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NOA will support 1-2 student(s) HBCU attendance to one annual convention to network and meet minority optometrists.

2023 Recipients

Edesthele Decius

Florida A & M University / Salus University

“I hope to be part of the change that I would like to see in my community by collaborating with other health professionals to focus on enhancing vision, use clinical and translational research to lead in the field of optometry, and provide meaningful service to humanity.”

Alexis Katlyn Renee Irving

Spelman College / University of Missouri – St Louis

“As an Optometrist, I want to open a clinic in my hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. I hope to provide affordable healthcare to all constituents, regardless of age, race, income, or background. I have witnessed many people that live in poverty, suffering from food insecurity and deprived of the medical assistance they deserve.”

Aja Allana Jackson

Tennessee State / Indiana University

“I started wearing glasses in the third grade. I never had an African American or a female Optometrist. I plan to open my own practice with a diverse team. I want other minorities to have the chance to feel comfortable and be seen by physicians who look like them. I want young minority children to see that they can hold any position they set their mind to.”

Khaliah L. Knighten

Prairie View A & M University / IAUPR

“My long-term goals and aspirations include bringing about change in the health care and optometry world as it relates to the African American affiliates and doctors. I want to organize a collaboration between all African American medical professionals to provide eyecare benefits and services to low-income communities.”

Chinoyelum Nnorom

Bowie State University/Salus University

“After graduating and completing a residency in ocular disease, my dream is to open a practice. I also plan to team with other medical professionals to make health care services more accessible and create a mentoring program for students interested in the health professions.”

Jasmine Renee Voss

Fisk University / Indiana University

“I am pursuing a career in Optometry because there is a need for more Black optometrists. I was fortunate to be seen by one my entire life. I always felt cared for, important, and comfortable. I want to positively impact people’s lives that way and expose them to the importance of their eye health.”

PRE-OPTOMETRY GRANT

Dasia Simone Brown

Savannah State University

“As an optometrist, I aspire to one day open up practices nationwide and be able to strengthen the pipeline between HBCU’s and Optometry schools to get more African American students into this career. I want to open practices in minority neighborhoods so that it can ba a safe and reliable spot where they know they are in good hands.”

Starr Mann

Howard University

“I always knew I wanted to be a doctor and make an impact in marginalized communities. To me vision is one of the most important senses; within a blink of the eye, an individual’s life could be changed forever. I decided that specializing in ocular disease is one of my front contenders.”

Alexis Merrell

Miles College

“Once I have received my Optometry degree, I plan to participate in the OneSight program created through Luxottica to help give back to communities everywhere. I firmly believe that people of all ages, especially children should have vision care that is accessible no matter the circumstances.”

Kyndall Oliver

Fisk University

“I chose a career in Optometry to learn more about specialized diagnosis, treatments, and remedies for various eye disorders. I want to be the best in my profession and give nothing but the best service to my patients.”