2020 H O N O R E E
2020 Best Practices Student Scholarship Recipients
Matthew Barnes New England College of Optometry
New England College of Optometry student Matthew Barnes was prescribed his first pair of glasses at 11 years old. The ability to see the world more clearly inspired him to want to give that same gift to others. After researching CooperVision’s Best Practices, Matthew realized that being recognized for the program wasn’t about who made the most money or who fit the most patients. Being a Best Practice means making a real difference in not only the community, but in people’s lives. Matthew hopes to emulate ideas he learns from the honorees in his future practice. Matthew intends to open his own practice after college. Since his greatest interest is in myopia management, he hopes to develop a practice with an emphasis on pediatrics, focusing on young children who are just beginning to develop issues with their eyes.
Christina Cherny SUNY College of Optometry
Christina Cherny grew up in western Germany, always knowing that she wanted to be a doctor. It was until she earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University that she knew she wanted to pursue optometry. While on a medical brigade to Peru, Christina injured her left eye while working on a community project. It was this experience that ignited a passion for helping others improve their vision and providing them with quality eye care. As a student at SUNY College of Optometry, Christina had a particular interest in corneal disease and specialty contact lenses. She enjoyed learning how the Best Practices honorees apply evidence-based medicine and scientific research to their practices. Christina applied to the Best Practices Student Scholarship Program hoping to incorporate others’ ideas and best practices into the future care of her own patients. Christina’s goal is to work in a New York City hospital fitting specialty contact lenses.
Matthew Howell Chicago College of Optometry
Optometry was not always in the picture for Matthew Howell. He first earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas, but then, on a mission trip to Uganda—as the only non-medical student on the team—he was introduced to a completely new experience. Within only a few weeks of his trip, Matthew changed his career path to pursue optometry. Seeing medical professionals and students play a first-hand role in helping underserved communities in Uganda had inspired Matthew to provide that same invaluable care in people’s lives. He realized that providing primary care was something he would ultimately like to do to help. Matthew ended up shadowing his own optometrist in Texarkana, Texas, to learn more about the profession. Matthew’s goal is to open his own practice. Aware of the challenges associated with this dream, Matthew applied to the Best Practices Student Scholarship Program for mentorship and training experience from some of the country’s most successful practitioners.
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