2021 H O N O R E E
2021 Best Practices Student Scholarship Recipients
Erika Bendert University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry student Erika Bendert has worn glasses for as long as she can remember. Having the ability to see the world more clearly is what inspired her to want to give the gift of sight to others. Erika was excited to learn about the innovative industry leaders who are part of CooperVision’s Best Practices. She looked forward to the mentorship and guidance the honorees will provide and hopes to emulate some of their ideas as she progresses through her own career. Erika hopes to do a residency in specialty contact lenses, with a particular interest in helping children with high myopia. In the future, she would love to own a community-based private practice with an emphasis on pediatric optometry and eye disease.
Melody Kordnaij SUNY College of Optometry
Growing up, Melody Kordnaij always knew that she wanted to work in healthcare. At a young age, she specifically recalls her optometrist being a huge inspiration to her, which is ultimately what motivated her to pursue a career in the field. At school, Melody has taken on several leadership roles, including President of the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) and Secretary of the Student Optometric Association for Private Practice (SOAPP). She is passionate about addressing the issue of diversity and inclusion within the industry, and feels that as a millennial, her generation can—and will—play a major role in making a difference in this area. Melody applied to the Best Practices Student Scholarship Program eager to learn more about the industry from respected leaders across the country. Her long-term goal is to open her own practice with an emphasis on specialty contact lenses.
Sahithi Rani New England College of Optometry
Optometry was not always in the picture for Sahithi Rani. She initially decided to pursue engineering but switched to optometry after realizing she thrived in the clinical space, where she was able to help others through the gift of sight. During her time at the New England College of Optometry, Sahithi has found that she always benefits the most—both academically and professionally—from having mentors, which is why she applied to the Best Practices Student Scholarship Program. She was particularly eager to learn more from the honorees about how they approach and market myopia management in their practices, as pediatrics is of special interest to Sahithi. Sahithi’s goal is to work primarily in clinical practice in pediatrics, while playing a major role advocating for the profession.
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