VSP Vision News

VSP Vision News

VSP Vision and Heart of America Eye Care Congress Announces 2025 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship Recipient

VSP Vision™, along with the Heart of America Eye Care Congress, is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship: Mora Boatman, a third-year student at the Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Mora was inspired to pursue a career path in optometry during her undergrad when she attended a medical mission trip to Honduras where she witnessed a highly myopic elementary school boy receive glasses so he could begin to learn alongside his peers in school. Throughout optometry school, Mora has held leadership positions, such as Vice President of the OSU Chapter of American Academy of Optometry and is an active member of the Ohio Optometric Association. After graduation, Mora plans to complete a residency while serving in her local church and participating in international mission trips.

This scholarship was created in 2019 to honor Dr. Frank D. Fontana, an optometrist and former VSP® Ambassador. Affectionately known as “Uncle Frank,” Dr. Fontana practiced for nearly 70 years, leaving an unmatched legacy behind as a colleague, mentor, and friend to many.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants submit an essay on how they demonstrate the four professional characteristics at which Dr. Fontana excelled: empathy, clinical excellence, innovation, and community involvement.

Mora was awarded a $4,250 scholarship, plus a $750 travel grant to the Heart of America Eye Care Congress in February 2025. This is the first of 70 scholarships that will be awarded this year, furthering VSP Vision’s long-term support of the profession of optometry. Learn more about VSP’s scholarship program here.