ESSILOR OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2006 VARILUX STUDENT GRANT AWARD WINNERS
National Award goes to Jennifer Wong from Indiana University College of Optometry

DALLAS – (May 25, 2006) – Optometry students across the country submitted case studies in hopes of winning the annual Varilux® Student Grant Award from Essilor of America. This year, the honor of the national award belongs to Jennifer Wong, a third year student at Indiana University College of Optometry, who wrote the winning case study, “New Progressive Addition Lens Design: Utilizing Varilux Ipseo Lens for Non-Adapt PAL Wearers.”

“It is rewarding to know that students are learning about the benefits and advancements that Varilux lenses offer patients,” said Dr. Rodney Tahran, vice president of professional relations and clinical affairs for Essilor. “Essilor has always been dedicated to empowering students studying optometry. We know that supporting the educational process helps to prepare students to become the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Wong and her faculty advisor, Dr. Susan Kovacich, will each receive an all-expense paid trip for two to Optometry’s Meeting, the 109th Annual American Optometry Association (AOA) Congress, and the 36th Annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Conference to be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, in June 2006. Wong will also be an honored guest at the 15th Annual Varilux Optometry Super Bowl, the highly anticipated annual event sponsored by Essilor, as well as receiving $1,000 in prize money.

Judges reviewed all case studies based on criteria such as dispensing skills, application of Varilux lenses to the patient’s needs, analysis of the care, and analysis of the lens design and lens performance. The winning student from each school receives a $1,000 grant and an entry into the national judging for the chance to become the national winner. The contest is open to third and fourth year optometry students.

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