HBCU Visioning The Future
The Mentorship Program is sponsored by the Dr. Marvin R. Poston OD Education and Development Donor Advised Foundation, VSP Vision, and the National Optometric Association. There is a significant imbalance in the racial and ethnic diversity represented within Optometry as compared to the U.S. population. The number of African American/Black optometry students is drastically lower than the number of other minorities in the U.S. population.
The objective of the program is to identify interested African American students at HBCU’s and facilitate their professional development and career advancement in the field of Optometry.
Program Overview
This program aims to identify undergraduate minority programs at HBCUs to partner with the NOA, connect with minority health field program advisors, and uncover barriers that may prevent minority students from pursuing optometry school.
Our Board
Dr. Paula Harmon Boone – Program Director
Dr. Sherrol Reynolds – Co-Director
Dr. Edwin Marshall – Co-Director
Marlene Poston Bell – Exec. Director of Dr. Marvin R. Poston Foundation
Vernon Dela Cruz – Director of Doctor Relations
Dr. Jarrett Johnson – VSP Board of Directors
Visioning The Future Program Goals
Aide
Aide students in the enrollment process into Schools and Colleges of Optometry, as well as retention and graduation.
Enrich
Enrich students by offering opportunities for interaction with industry professionals.
Provide
Provide networking with current student members of the National Optometric Student Association
Create
Create an environment that fosters career and professional development.
Program Guidelines
Interested in applying for HBCU Visioning the Future Mentorship Program? These program guidelines are designed to ensure a meaningful, respectful, and impactful experience for both mentors and mentees as they work toward a future in optometry.
- Eligible student must be in good academic standing- GPA minimum 3.0 or member of Pre-Health Program at an HBCU
- Meet with the mentor in-person, telephone, or video communication to discuss goals and career planning.
- Participate in shadowing opportunities
- Apply for summer University Optometric Programs
- The mentor will be an active member of the National Optometric Association
- The Poston Foundation ($1,000) and the NOA ($500) will provide a $1500 scholarship upon graduation to assist in admission preparation fees.
- The Poston Foundation ($1,000) and VSP Vision ($1,500) will provide a $2500 scholarship upon enrollment to aid in the purchase of first year equipment
- NOA will support 1-2 student(s) HBCU attendance to one annual convention to network and meet minority optometrists.
Meet HBCU’s Recipients
2025 Recipients
Jeffrey Tyler Artis
Pre-Optometry & Equipment Grant Recipient
Tougaloo College / Southern College of Optometry
Arlena Elizabeth Thompson
Equipment Grant Recipient
Xavier University / Southern College of Optometry
Aseah Nevaeh Montambault
Equipment Grant Recipient
Howard University / Indiana University
Erica Janae’ Barnes
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Shelton State Community College
Desiree Sherise Welch
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Winston Salem State University
Courtland Elane Smith
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Prairie View A&M University
Mary Laila Reid
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Norfolk State University
Nautica S. Steele
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Tuskegee University
2024 Recipients
Shafi Lugman Muhammad
Pre-Optometry & Equipment Grant Recipient
Jackson State University / UBA School of Optometry
Starr Mann
Equipment Grant Recipient
Howard University / NOVA School of Optometry
Jade Desray-Esperanza Christie
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Florida A&M University ‘25
Morgan D’Jon Bernard
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Hampton University ‘25
Arlena Elizabeth Thompson
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Xavier University ‘25
Aseah Nevaeh Montambault
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Howard University ‘25
Kaleb M. Clark
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
Xavier University ‘25
2023 Recipients
Edesthele Decius
Florida A & M University / Salus University
“I hope to be part of the change that I would like to see in my community by collaborating with other health professionals to focus on enhancing vision, use clinical and translational research to lead in the field of optometry, and provide meaningful service to humanity.”
Alexis Katlyn Renee Irving
Spelman College / University of Missouri – St Louis
“As an Optometrist, I want to open a clinic in my hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. I hope to provide affordable healthcare to all constituents, regardless of age, race, income, or background. I have witnessed many people that live in poverty, suffering from food insecurity and deprived of the medical assistance they deserve.”
Aja Allana Jackson
Tennessee State / Indiana University
“I started wearing glasses in the third grade. I never had an African American or a female Optometrist. I plan to open my own practice with a diverse team. I want other minorities to have the chance to feel comfortable and be seen by physicians who look like them. I want young minority children to see that they can hold any position they set their mind to.”
Khaliah L. Knighten
Prairie View A & M University / IAUPR
“My long-term goals and aspirations include bringing about change in the health care and optometry world as it relates to the African American affiliates and doctors. I want to organize a collaboration between all African American medical professionals to provide eyecare benefits and services to low-income communities.”
Chinoyelum Nnorom
Bowie State University/Salus University
“After graduating and completing a residency in ocular disease, my dream is to open a practice. I also plan to team with other medical professionals to make health care services more accessible and create a mentoring program for students interested in the health professions.”
Jasmine Renee Voss
Fisk University / Indiana University
“I am pursuing a career in Optometry because there is a need for more Black optometrists. I was fortunate to be seen by one my entire life. I always felt cared for, important, and comfortable. I want to positively impact people’s lives that way and expose them to the importance of their eye health.”
Dasia Simone Brown
Savannah State University
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
“As an optometrist, I aspire to one day open up practices nationwide and be able to strengthen the pipeline between HBCU’s and Optometry schools to get more African American students into this career. I want to open practices in minority neighborhoods so that it can ba a safe and reliable spot where they know they are in good hands.”
Starr Mann
Howard University
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
“I always knew I wanted to be a doctor and make an impact in marginalized communities. To me vision is one of the most important senses; within a blink of the eye, an individual’s life could be changed forever. I decided that specializing in ocular disease is one of my front contenders.”
Alexis Merrell
Miles College
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
“Once I have received my Optometry degree, I plan to participate in the OneSight program created through Luxottica to help give back to communities everywhere. I firmly believe that people of all ages, especially children should have vision care that is accessible no matter the circumstances.”
Kyndall Oliver
Fisk University
Pre-Optometry Grant Recipient
“I chose a career in Optometry to learn more about specialized diagnosis, treatments, and remedies for various eye disorders. I want to be the best in my profession and give nothing but the best service to my patients.”
Video Testimonials
Hear directly from our members as they share their experiences, the support they’ve received, and why they’ve chosen to be part of the National Optometric Association. These stories highlight the impact of our community and the difference membership makes.
