Midwestern University Awards VSP Vision™ Diversity Admissions Scholarship to Optometry Students
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Midwestern University Awards VSP Vision™ Diversity Admissions Scholarship to Optometry Students
A generous donation from VSP Vision, a not-for-profit vision benefits company, is providing new opportunities to incoming first-year optometry students at the Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) and the Chicago College of Optometry (CCO) at Midwestern University.
VSP pledged $60,000 over six years. A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded each year during that time, alternating between CCO and AZCOPT. The VSP Vision Diversity Admissions Scholarship aims to provide first-year optometry students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds the chance to pursue their goals. It is awarded on a competitive basis, and considers past academic performance, commitment to diversity, leadership, and community service, as well as a demonstrated financial need.
“Annual eye exams often reveal other health issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes. But being unable to see a doctor who looks like you and understands the types of challenges specific to your community is often a barrier to seeking this essential preventive care,” said VSP Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Marvin Davenport. “That’s why VSP believes diversifying the future of optometry is so important and we’re excited to support first-year optometry students with this VSP Vision Diversity Admissions Scholarship.”
This year’s winners of the VSP Vision Diversity Admissions Scholarship are Rachel Pina (AZCOPT ’26) and Khalilah Brooks (CCO ’26).
To learn more about Midwestern University’s optometry programs, please visit: midwestern.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs.
