National Vision Launches 2026-2027 Scholarship Program, Exploring the Balance Between Innovation and Human Connection

Annual Program Marks Its 12th Year With $12,500 in Scholarships for Future Optometrists

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States, announced today that its annual scholarship program is open for entries, offering eligible optometry students the opportunity to win up to $7,500.

This year’s scholarship program challenges students to explore the topic of, “Balancing Innovation and Human Connection.” Third- and fourth-year optometry students are invited to submit written or video essays examining how optometrists can embrace new technologies and tools while preserving the trust, empathy and personal connections that are central to quality patient care.

As innovations such as artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostics and digital health solutions become further integrated into healthcare, students are encouraged to consider which aspects of the patient experience should always remain human and how technology can enhance care without losing sight of the relationships at its core.

“Innovation is creating exciting opportunities for the future of optometry, but the connection between doctors and their patients will always be fundamental to quality care,” said Alexander Smith, O.D., Head of Doctor Network at National Vision. “We want to hear from the next generation of optometrists about how they envision using new tools to enhance the patient experience while continuing to build the trust and personal relationships that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.”

Submissions for the 2026-2027 scholarship program are open via National Vision’s scholarship program portal to students in good standing with an optometry school in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. In addition to the first-place $7,500 scholarship, two runner-up scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded.

Entries must be submitted by January 31, 2027, to be considered. Winners will be announced by March 1, 2027. Additional program information and entry requirements are available on the portal, hosted through Eyes on Eyecare via a collaborative partnership: http://nvscholarship.eyesoneyecare.com/.

About National Vision Holdings, Inc.

National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with over 1,200 stores in 40 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible, the company operates four retail brands: America’s Best, Eyeglass World, and Vista Opticals inside select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and an e-commerce website DiscountContacts.com, offering a variety of products and services for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit www.nationalvision.com.

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