ClearVision Optical, in collaboration with the Optical Women’s Association (OWA), has announced the second round of the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program. This initiative, designed to support the personal and professional development of women in the optical industry, will begin accepting submissions on July 17, 2024.
Danielle D. Crull, owner and master optician at A Child’s Eyes, and Michelle Kelley, director of ophthalmic services and materials at Southern College of Optometry, were the recipients of the first round of grants. In the second round, three grants of $2,000 each will be awarded to deserving OWA members.
“[I am] so grateful for the opportunity to express my passion for helping nonverbal patients and then find the most amazing support among my peers, ClearVision and the OWA,” Crull said. “This grant will help me bring a literal voice to those so often overlooked in our communities. Thank you so much!”
“I am humbled to be chosen and honored to share this with one of my heroes, Danielle Crull,” said Kelley. “I am pursuing my MBA to enhance my skills to give back to an industry that I love. I encourage women of opticianry to dream big. Thank you, ClearVision and OWA, for supporting women in the optical industry.”
The ClearVision-Adira Grant Program was launched to empower women in the optical industry by providing financial support to help them achieve their professional and personal aspirations. This collaboration between ClearVision and the OWA underscores a shared commitment to championing women’s achievements and potential within the industry.
The grant program is named for Adira, an eyewear collection made for every facet and stage of women’s lives. With a comprehensive range of styles across four design stories, the collection is made to empower women to express themselves and celebrate their journeys. To view the Adira collection, click here.
To qualify for the grant program, OWA members are invited to submit personalized essays. Using one or more provided prompts, applicants’ essays should reflect on how the grant will assist in their professional or personal lives, and what they need to help them achieve their goals or overcome challenges.
Submissions for the second round of grants will begin on July 17 and will be accepted until the end of August. A panel determined by the OWA and ClearVision will select finalists. Afterward, OWA members will have the opportunity to vote for the winners from among the chosen nominees. All essays will be anonymized for the voting process to ensure fairness and impartiality.
More information about the grant program and detailed submission instructions will be available to OWA members in the coming weeks.
About the Optical Women’s Association
Founded in 1997 as a nonprofit, the Optical Women’s Association is committed to supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry. As the vision of the OWA evolves and expands, it maintains the focus of the OWA’s founding principles and core mission: to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education and peer support.
About ClearVision Optical
Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is a 75-year-old, award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for many of today’s top brands. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York. It has been recognized as a Best Company to work for in New York State for nine years. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries around the globe. Licensed and proprietary brands include Revo, ILLA, Uncommon, Adira, Demi + Dash, BCGBGMAXAZRIA, Steve Madden, IZOD, Dilli Dalli, CVO Eyewear, Aspire, ADVANTAGE, and more.
