Hannah Bollig, a third-year student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship. Bollig received $5,000 toward her education and travel to attend the Heart of America Eye Care Conference.
“I’m so grateful for the validation and encouragement I’ve felt since receiving the Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial award,” says Bollig. “To have my dedication and effort celebrated has encouraged me to keep striving forward, and confirmed that I’m on the right path. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”
The scholarship, which is offered to third and fourth-year optometry students who are actively engaged in patient care, is named in honor of Dr. Frank D. Fontana, affectionately known as “Uncle Frank,” who practiced optometry for nearly 70 years and was a colleague, mentor, and friend to so many throughout the eye care industry.
Recipients of the Fontana Memorial Scholarship are selected for demonstrating excellence in the four areas Dr. Fontana was known for, including clinical performance, empathetic patient care, adoption of modern technologies, and active participation in the optometric community.
“We are proud to honor Uncle Frank and his lasting contributions to the field of optometry and support the next generation of optometrists through this scholarship,” said Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider and Industry Solutions Officer. “We congratulate Hannah on this special recognition and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on patient care and the future of the profession of optometry.”
Within the last 10 years, VSP Vision has provided more than $3.5 million in scholarship support to optometry students. To learn more, visit this page.
