Golden Opportunity Award Offers Unprecedented Opportunity for Optometrists

St. Louis, MO – February 26 –  Optometry Cares^®—The AOA Foundation, in collaboration with PERC Alliance, proudly announces the launch of the Golden Opportunity Award, a groundbreaking initiative designed to honor the legacy of Dr. David Golden while providing substantial support to emerging optometric professionals. The prestigious award seeks to empower three deserving optometrists with a $50,000 scholarship each to facilitate the realization of their aspirations to establish their first independent practice.

Dr. David Golden, an esteemed figure in the optometry community, was known for his unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to advancing the field. In celebration of his memory and profound impact, the Golden Opportunity Award aims to carry forward his spirit of fostering the growth and success of future leaders in independent optometry.

“We are thrilled to launch the Golden Opportunity Award in partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA), Optometry Cares and the Golden Family,” said Dr. Jason Lake, general manager of PERC Alliance. “This initiative represents a significant opportunity to support aspiring optometrists in achieving their dreams of practice ownership, something Dr. Golden was passionate about.”

The Golden Opportunity Award places particular emphasis on individuals from underrepresented groups within the optometric profession or those who aspire to establish practices in underserved areas of populations in need. By prioritizing inclusivity and community impact, the award aims to foster a more diverse and equitable landscape within the field of optometry.

“As an organization dedicated to promoting independent optometrists and the patients they serve, PERC Alliance is honored to partner with Optometry Cares in launching the Golden Opportunity Award,” continued Dr. Lake. “We believe that by investing in the next generation of optometric leaders, we can contribute to the advancement of eye care.”

Applications for the Golden Opportunity Award are now open, and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2024. To learn more about the award and application requirements, please visit aoafoundation.org/our-programs/golden-opportunity-award

About Optometry Cares

Optometry Cares is a charitable organization of the AOA. Its mission is to expand eye health and vision care access to everyone in the United States to enhance human performance and quality of life. Through scholarships, grants and outreach programs, Optometry Cares supports optometric education, research and patient care initiatives.

About PERC Alliance

PERC Alliance is a leading provider of financial and business solutions for optometrists, committed to empowering independent practitioners to achieve their professional and personal goals. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, PERC Alliance delivers comprehensive support and resources tailored to the unique needs of optometric practices.

For further information, please contact Cristin Sullivan.