Spotlight on our 2017-2018 Optometry Student Grant Program Winners
A few weeks ago, we announced the winners of our annual Optometry Student Grant Program. Now in its third year, the program asked students in the 2018 and 2019 classes to share what has inspired them to become an optometrist and what their personal mission will be as a future Doctor of Optometry.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk on “Start With Why,” the following three students excelled in sharing their passion for optometry. We recently caught up with the winners to have a little fun. Check out the profiles on each below!
Thank you to all students who entered the program and congratulations to our winners!
Leanne Leung
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry (MCPHS), Class of 2019
First Place ($5,000)
Leanne’s grandmother is her passion, her “why.” Born with amblyopia, her grandmother grew up underprivileged without access to eye care and lived her whole life blind in one eye. After seeing her grandmother’s experiences and lack of access to healthcare as a child, Leanne knew her purpose in life was to help people. With a strong belief that access to care and early detection is critical in creating positive health outcomes, Leanne will live her purpose after graduating with a dual degree that includes a Master’s of Public Health.
“As an optometrist I will have a voice in my community to make a difference, and that is what drives me to become a better doctor and create positive change in both healthcare and the field of optometry.”
This or That:
- Netflix or Cable? Netflix (binging during the holidays!)
- Apple or Android? Apple
- Coke or Pepsi? Coke
- Cats or Dogs? Cats
Favorites:
- Favorite frame brand: Coach
- Favorite thing about your optometry school: Early clinical experience with patients starting from first year
About Leanne:
- President of the Canadian Association of Optometry Students at MCPHS
- Student American Academy of Optometry Fellow
- Member of MCPHS Private Practice Club
- Member of MCPHS Student Chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) Chapter
Kandace Alfred
University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry (UMSL), Class of 2018
Runner-up ($1,000)
Like many young adults and students, Kandace found her passion through happenstance. A part time job during college at an optical retailer introduced Kandace to the field in which she quickly fell in love. Driven by providing quality eye care to underserved populations through channels such as inner-city community health programs, she strives to deliver excellent care and patient education through humor and strong communication.
“Everyone wants to have good vision as long as possible. And that’s our role in the community – to provide the education and the necessary tools for our patients to have the best vision that they possibly can, and for as long as they possibly can. Hopefully I can do that – stay tuned!”
This or That:
- Netflix or Cable? Netflix (and Hulu and Amazon Prime!)
- Apple or Android? Apple 2009-forever
- Coke or Pepsi? I haven’t had soda in over a year, but I miss Coca-Cola every single day!
- Cats or Dogs? Dogs!
Favorites:
- Favorite frame brand? Ray-Ban®
- Favorite thing about your optometry school? The small community at UMSL allows students and teachers to work really closely together. I have a great relationship with most of my professors. Going through this program wouldn’t have been possible without the friends that I’ve made.
About Kandace:
- Member of the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
- Member of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA)
- Member of UMSL SVOSH Chapter
Bee Bui
University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry, Class of 2019
Runner-up ($1,000)
After experiencing her family’s hardships coming to the U.S. from Vietnam, Bee was motivated at a young age to work hard and dedicated her life to helping others receive basic needs that everyone deserves. Upon graduating college, she moved to a rural town in Oregon to work in a program focused on community improvement. While there, Bee realized the lack of access to quality eye care and the negative impact that can have on a community, leading to her decision to enroll in optometry school.
“I get a thrill when I help someone see clearly! Access to vision care inspired me before optometry school and three years later it is still my driving force. I know that after graduation I will continue to provide quality eye care to all communities regardless the barriers they may face.”
This or That:
- Netflix or Cable? Netflix! No matter the mood you are in you can always find something.
- Apple or Android? Definitely an Apple person.
- Coke or Pepsi? I love classics, so I have to stick with Coke. It’s been around for 126 years, they have definitely mastered the recipe!
- Cats or Dogs? Dogs! Whenever you’re around them, you are always reminded how exciting the world is.
Favorites:
- Favorite frame brand: I have high cheek bones and a flat bridge which makes it tough to find a pair of glasses that fits well. With every pair of ProDesign, the manufacturer will add nose pads, which makes almost every pair work for my face shape.
- Favorite thing about your optometry school: The camaraderie my class shares. Optometry school is demanding, and we have spent many countless nights studying for exams and practicing for our next practical together. There have been many failures and successes we’ve all experienced together, and through this optometry adventure we’ve developed a family-like culture.
About Bee:
- Awarded the Master’s Graduate Opportunity Award
- Awarded the Fung Family Scholarship
- Awarded the Departmental Award for strong academic performance
Carly Schenck
Latest posts by Carly Schenck (see all)
- Taking Care of Your Eyes During COVID-19: Tips From Optometrists - July 15, 2020
- Contact Lenses and COVID-19 - April 10, 2020
- Spotlight on our 2017-2018 Optometry Student Grant Program Winners - March 21, 2018
