HAUPPAUGE, NY – February 29, 2024 – ClearVision Optical, in collaboration with the Optical Women's Association (OWA), is launching the ClearVision-Adira Grants program to facilitate personal and professional development for women in the optical industry.
"The foundational role of my mother Mimi Friedfeld, as a founding member of the OWA, underscores ClearVision's deep-rooted commitment to supporting women in the optical industry,” David Friedfeld, co-owner and president of ClearVision, said. “This collaboration with the OWA through the ClearVision-Adira Grants, as well as our Platinum Sponsorship of the organization, reflects a legacy of empowerment and our shared mission with the OWA to champion women's achievements and potential in our field. We look forward to the positive impact these grants will have."
The initiative, funded by a donation from ClearVision in alignment with the launch of its women’s brand, Adira, will award five grants of $2,000 each. Adira is an eyewear brand designed to celebrate women and all various phases of their lives. The collection is made to empower women to express themselves and celebrate their journey through their busy lives.
"The grant program, supported by ClearVision and the Adira brand, embodies the OWA's mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support," said Lorie Lippiatt, OD, the OWA president. "By submitting personal essays, our members will have opportunities to amplify their voices, contributing to a richer, more diverse industry dialogue. This initiative not only furthers our core mission but also opens pathways for greater involvement and recognition within the field."
To qualify for the grant program, OWA members will submit individualized essays, with space provided to reflect on and discuss how the grant will assist in their professional or personal lives, and what they need to help them achieve their goals or overcome challenges.
Eligibility for the grant is exclusive to OWA members, though potential applicants can sign up for membership before applying.
Click here to learn more about the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program
Click here to join the OWA
There will be two rounds of grants. The first round will award two of the five grants, while the second round will award the remaining three. Entry for the first round will open shortly following Vision Expo East and close one month later, when the finalists will be announced. The second round will begin in August. For each round of submissions, a panel determined by the OWA and ClearVision will select finalists. OWA members will then have a chance to vote for winners from among the chosen nominees. Essays will be anonymized for the voting process.
More information will be available to OWA members in the coming weeks.
About ClearVision Optical
Founded in 1949, ClearVision Optical is a 75-year-old, award-winning leader in the optical industry, designing and distributing eyewear and sunwear for many of today’s top brands. A privately held company, ClearVision is headquartered in Hauppauge, New York. It has been recognized as a Best Company to work for in New York state for eight years. ClearVision’s collections are distributed throughout North America and 20 countries round the globe. Licensed and proprietary brands include Revo, ILLA, Adira, Demi + Dash, BCGBGMAXAZRIA, Steve Madden, IZOD, Dilli Dalli, CVO Eyewear, Aspire, ADVANTAGE, and more. Visit cvoptical.com for more information.
About the Optical Women’s Association
Founded in 1997 as a nonprofit, the Optical Women’s Association is committed to supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry. As the vision of the OWA evolves and expands, it maintains the focus of the OWA’s founding principles and core mission: to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education and peer support.
