VSP Vision recognized five optometry students as recipients of the 2025 Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award during the National Optometric Association (NOA) Convention held July 17–20. The annual scholarship, presented in partnership with the NOA, honors Marvin R. Poston, OD—VSP Vision cofounder and the first Black optometrist on the West Coast—for his leadership and dedication to expanding access to eye care.

Each student received $4,000 to support their optometric education after demonstrating leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to practicing in underserved communities.

Here are the 2025 awardees:

• Jordan Buchanan, University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry

• Melanie Carrión, Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry

• Malia McDowell, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry

• Dominica Dzakah, Salus at Drexel University, Pennsylvania College of Optometry

• Angelica Moss, Indiana University School of Optometry

The award is one of 70 scholarships offered by VSP Vision this year. To date, the organization has awarded more than $4 million to nearly 1,200 students. As part of the NOA convention, VSP Vision and NOA also provided free eye exams and prescription eyewear to Columbus, OH, residents through the VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic.