CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.—Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Optometry Student Challenge, presented by ABB Optical Group, one of the largest independent providers of optical products, services and business solutions in the eyecare industry. Third- and fourth-year optometry students can submit an abstract on a student-based case report or research study project and compete for a chance to win a $1,500 travel grant to attend the 2025 Global Specialty Lens Symposium. “We are so excited to be in our 10th year of ABB’s Optometry Student Challenge,” said Dede Reyes, manager of consultation and education, specialty contact lens.

"We are honored to be a part of the students’ first steps into their optometry career. Each year we look forward to seeing what new and creative cases they will come up with."

Optometry students must register to participate in the challenge by August 31, 2024, at abboptical.com/OptometryStudentChallenge. Participants will have until October 14 to submit their abstract on a topic restricted to contact lenses. These may include applications for presbyopia, keratoconus, corneal topography, post penetrating keratoplasty or related irregular corneal surface, myopia control, lens care/solutions, custom soft lenses, ortho-k instrumentation for measurement of the ocular surface and sports/performance vision.

Based on the judges’ decision, six abstracts will be selected and all finalists will be notified by October 23. The finalists will be asked to convert each of their submissions into a poster format and present them during a live virtual meeting on December 11. All attendees who join the event will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite posters, and the scores will be incorporated in the overall judging of the winners.

“As our future optometrists embark on their new careers, ABB is committed to offering them avenues for development and networking within our industry," said Daniel Liberman, ABB chief executive officer. "I am excited to witness the innovative ideas these talented individuals bring forth this year.”

To hear the 2023 Optometry Student Challenge winners share their experience and what the challenge meant to them, click here.