ROCHESTER, N.Y.—CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) and a leading manufacturer of contact lenses, has introduced its Bright Fellows recognition program to help motivate third- and fourth-year optometry students to take full advantage of a wide range of opportunities to expand their education, according to the company. Students enrolled in the program accumulate points for completing educational activities—from attending industry conferences to fitting patients in contact lenses—progressing through tiers that allow them to earn them eligibility for scholarships and awards.

“CooperVision has a long history of supporting the education and training of optometry students, and we look forward to furthering that support through the Bright Fellows program,” said Michele Andrews, OD, vice president of marketing and professional affairs, Americas, CooperVision. “The hours that students spend in the classroom and clinic are incredibly important, but those who seek out additional opportunities for learning are truly setting themselves up for success as eyecare professionals. Bright Fellows encourages more students to do just that.”

The CooperVision Bright Fellows program rewards participating optometry students with points for activities that supplement their education, including:

  • Attending industry conferences (e.g., AOA Optometry’s Meeting, the American Academy of Optometry Meeting, SECO, etc.) and state optometric association meetings.

  • Joining CooperVision academic events.

  • Conducting contact lens or myopia management research.

  • Fitting patients in contact lenses.
With each new points tier reached, students will earn rewards and increase their chances of being selected for an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2025 CooperVision New Graduate Summit upon graduation. In addition, the student with the most points accumulated at the end of their fourth year at each school and college of optometry will receive the CooperVision Excellence in Contact Lens Award, which includes a scholarship, according to the announcement.

Interested third- and fourth-year optometry students can enroll in the Bright Fellows program at any time through the CooperVision Online Success Center here.