Transitions Optical has announced the recipients of its 2026 Optical Advancement Educational Grant program, an initiative designed to support students pursuing careers in optometry and opticianry.
According to the company, the program received a record number of applications from students across the United States. This year, Transitions awarded 2 grants of $5,000 to students enrolled in accredited US colleges of optometry and 5 grants of $1,000 grants to students attending or planning to attend opticianry programs.
The grants are intended to help offset education-related expenses, including tuition, examination fees, textbooks, and other required materials.
“This year’s grant recipients bring a unique blend of curiosity, compassion, and dedication to growing within the optical industry,” said Arlene Barringer, senior marketing manager, communications & analytics, Transitions. “By investing in the next generation of optometrists and opticians, the Optical Advancement Educational Grant Program reinforces our commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative, and patient-centered future for vision care.”
The recipients were selected by the Transitions Optical Advancement Board, a panel composed of practicing optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.
The 2026 optometry grant recipients are:
-
Taylor Sousa, Southern College of Optometry
-
Liliana Gonzalez, Indiana University Bloomington
The 2026 opticianry grant recipients are:
-
Bailey Altizer, Hillsborough College
-
Rebekah Jia, Hillsborough College
-
Myriam Joseph, Hillsborough College
-
Shawn Schuur, Hillsborough College
-
Maysoun Salah, SUNY Erie Community College
The company indicated that the Optical Advancement Educational Grant program will continue in 2027, with the next application period expected to open in the first quarter of the year. Students interested in future opportunities are encouraged to follow program updates from Transitions.