Next Gen
A passion for helping others
By Jody Johnson-Pettit
Fourth-year University of Waterloo optometry student
Sherene Vazhappilly is making a name for herself and
planning for her future.
Vazhappilly was recently named the grand prize
winner of the 2018 Students of Vision Scholarship
from Transitions Optical and the Opticians
Association of Canada.
To win the competition, Vazhappilly submitted a
video that outlined creative ways for patients to find
eyeglasses that not only correct their vision, but
appeal to their sense of style.
Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges and
evaluated based on their creativity, strategic thinking
and ethics.
32 Optical Prism | April 2019
“Initially, I hadn’t heard anything back regarding
my application, so I emailed Transitions Optical to
thank them for the opportunity to participate. I was
really surprised when a few hours later, they told
me that they hadn’t released the winners yet, but
that I had in fact, won the grand prize,” recounts
Vazhappilly.
“I participated because as an optometry student,
I thought it was vital to include the clinician’s
perspective for eyewear, as this is something I do
everyday in clinic for my patients.
“This award will help me in my career by financially
assisting me with my tuition costs and reminds me
on the importance of upholding the highest degree of
patient education and care.