02/17/2021
ROS please read below to find out about the Petry Lomb Scholarship! And please read on to find out more about the 2021 scholarship recipients!!
The Rochester Optometric Society is one of few societies that offers a scholarship to optometry students. The Petry Lomb Scholarship is funded from the Petry Lomb Education Fund which gives deserving optometry students, who demonstrate financial need and a sincere desire to practice optometry in Upstate New York, a scholarship toward their education/research costs. In the past 10 years alone, Petry Lomb has awarded over $40,000 to 18 students from 6 colleges of optometry. The work of the Petry Lomb Committee continues today through the current committee, which includes many optometrists, optical professionals, etc.
The roots of the Petry Lomb Education Fund began in the 1950s. Due to good fiscal planning by local optometrists, a small profit was realized after a convention held by the Rochester Optometric Society. This money was deposited into a local bank for future use. At the same time the Ladies Auxiliary, affiliated with the society, was raising money through bake sales, arts and crafts, raffles, etc. When the Ladies Auxiliary dissolved in the 1960s their remaining treasury was combined with the savings from the AOA convention, and the Petry Lomb Fund was born.
Alfredo Mazzuca Bio:
Meet Alfredo Mazzuca, a 2021 Petry Lomb scholarship recipient. Alfredo is a 2013 graduate of New Paltz High School and later went on to graduate from SUNY Geneseo in 2018 with a degree in Biology. Besides an excellent academic performance in college, he also competed on the cross country and track teams winning the NCAA Division 3 Cross Country national championship. Alfredo is currently a student at SUNY Optometry, where he holds the role of Vice President of the 2022 class. He has a strong passion for Optometry, he even participates in a glaucoma micro-credential program. Upon graduation, Alfredo plans to pursue a residency which focuses on the anterior segment.
Hannah Stevens Bio:
Meet Hannah Stevens, a 2021 Petry Lomb scholarship recipient. Hannah is a 2016 graduate of Canandaigua Academy and later went on to complete her bachelor's degree at Binghamton University. Hannah found her passion for optometry in Rochester and participated in the pre-optometry club in college. Hannah is set to graduate in 2023 from SUNY Optometry. At SUNY Optometry, she enjoys being a member of the Student Optometric Association for Private Practice and the Lion’s Club. Hannah is a motivated student with a love for optometry.
