Tyson Montgomery.

DALLAS—On Thursday, June 20, student representatives from 26 schools and colleges of optometry gathered at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville for the 33rd annual American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Optometry Student Bowl powered by EssilorLuxottica. Students competed through rounds of competition for a chance to win significant prizes by answering optometry-related questions created by a panel of optometric educators. In addition, organizers estimated that a crowd of over 700 students and alumni were gathered to cheer the competitors on.

Tyson Montgomery from The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Optometry took home first prize, which included a $2,000 award from the AOSA and a package of equipment to outfit his practice post-graduation. OSU College of Optometry will now keep the Ventura Cup until next year’s Optometry Student Bowl at Optometry’s Meeting 2025. Karli Clark from the Illinois College of Optometry took home second place and received an award of $1,500 from the AOSA. Third place went to Abbey Kuborn from the Indiana School of Optometry who received $1,000 from the AOSA.

The Spirit Award was given to the Michigan College of Optometry for their outstanding support of every contestant during the event. Winning the Spirit Award earns them the accolade of earning a prominent feature in next year’s Optometry Student Bowl hype video played during the opening of the Bowl.

 
“EssilorLuxottica is proud to collaborate with the AOSA to bring one-of-a-kind educational opportunities like the Optometry Student Bowl to life and continue to help nurture the future of our profession," said Ryan Parker, OD, senior director of medical and professional affairs, EssilorLuxottica North America, who also emceed the event. "The event allows optometry students across the country to engage in education in a fun and innovative way. EssilorLuxottica applauds the passion for optometry showcased tonight by all the competitors, students, and alumni in the crowd.”

This year’s panel of judges included:

  • Jacquie Bowen, OD, vice president of the American Optometric Association. She is a past president of the Colorado Optometric Association and is a member of the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Glaucoma Society, and a legislative keyperson to Colorado. She is a graduate of Southern California College of Optometry.
 
  • Amanda Dexter, OD, FAAO, medical director OptoPrep. She is a past president of California Optometric Association and the San Diego County Optometric Society. She is a graduate from Southern California College of Optometry.

  • Pete Hanlin, vice president professional services, EssilorLuxottica.