Supporting BIPOC Success in Optometry
in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We believe in the power of many lenses.
That’s why National Vision is committed to supporting associates, optometrists affiliated with our Doctor of Optometry network, partner organizations and schools in efforts to expand and celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) achievements and success throughout the optometric community.
Here are a few of the ways we are doing just that.
As a platinum sponsor of Black Eyecare Perspective’s IMPACT HBCU initiative, National Vision is supporting efforts to redefine the color of the eye care industry 1% at a time by creating a pipeline for Black students into optometry.
“At the close of 2021, 46% of optometrists in the National Vision Doctor of Optometry network identified as BIPOC. The diversity of our associates, network of doctors, patients and customers is one of our greatest strengths as an organization.” -Jacqueline Grove, National Vision Senior Vice President
In support of first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds, we pledged $100,000 in scholarships to the New England College of Optometry.
“This gift is a way to reduce barriers to success and broaden access to education for students from backgrounds that are sorely underrepresented in optometry today, and an investment towards a more inclusive future for the entire optometric community.” -Reade Fahs, National Vision Chief Executive Officer
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is the sole sponsor of the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) of Salus University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Our donation of $300,000 over a five-year span will help up to 100 students.
SEP goals include improving the matriculation, attrition and graduation rates of Black and other underrepresented applicants of color while fostering a safety net of support and mentorship to meet the increasingly diverse nation’s optometric needs. Read more.
Learn more about National Vision's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts here.