Matthew Martinez
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Global and the Heart of America Eye Care Congress announced today the recipient of Dr. Frank D. Fontana Memorial Scholarship: Matthew J. Martinez, a fourth-year student at the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry. Created in 2019, the prestigious Fontana Scholarship honors the legacy of iconic optometrist, Frank D. Fontana, affectionately known as “Uncle Frank.” Martinez received $5,000 as part of the scholarship this year. Martinez has served as the president of the local chapter of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) and helped organize campus trade shows that allowed industry organizations to share eyecare trends and new technology with students.

Prior to attending optometry school, Martinez also served as the surgical technician in the optometry and ophthalmology department at the Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas. These opportunities taught him leadership, resilience and commitment to patient care.

Although Martinez never met Dr. Fontana, he expressed the influence he had on his career. "The professional characteristics that Dr. Fontana exemplified have continuously made an impact on all those who knew him well,” said Martinez. “Dr. Fontana has provided a strong foundation and his profound influence will forever ripple throughout the optometry community. It is quite humbling to receive the scholarship bearing his name and I am extremely honored and thankful for this tremendous recognition."

Dr. Fontana passed away in 2018, as VMAIL reported, but served as a mentor and advocate for countless optometric educators and future leaders of the profession. He founded the Contact Lens & Cornea section of the American Optometric Association and co-founded the Heart of America Contact Lens Society.

The Fontana Scholarship is offered to outstanding third- and fourth-year optometry students actively engaged in patient care. Applicants are judged in four areas in which Dr. Fontana excelled: 1) clinical performance, 2) empathetic patient care, 3) ability and interest to adopt modern technologies, and 4) a strong interest in developing and participating in the optometry community.

“Uncle Frank cared deeply about the next generation of optometry and this scholarship is one important way to continue to honor his memory,” said VSP global board chair Mary Anne C. Murphy, OD. “We congratulate Mr. Martinez and look forward to his continued dedication to the profession we love.”

The Heart of America Eye Care Congress president Dr. Wes Garton said, “The Heart of America Eye Care Congress, together with VSP Global, is happy to partner to memorialize Dr. Fontana and offer this phenomenal annual tribute to optometry. Our selection committee had a number of very qualified applicants and it was difficult to select a winning entry. Matthew Martinez is a deserving recipient and we are very happy to recognize him as this year’s winner.”

VSP has supported optometry for more than 65 years and is committed to advantaging students and new graduates coming into the profession. In total, VSP has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to optometry students.