Jerbrea Powell already knows that an eye exam can have positive ripple effects far beyond a patient’s vision. The chance to make a real difference in others’ lives is what makes the third-year Southern College of Optometry (SCO) student most passionate about the profession and her future.
“As a Mississippian, I’ve seen how inadequate healthcare leads to poor health outcomes, directly impacting one’s overall well-being,” Jerbrea says. “I am excited about the opportunity to return to Mississippi post-graduation to do my part as a practitioner and break this cycle.”
Jerbrea’s commitment to optometry and strong interest in contact lenses were recognized last year when she received a National Optometric Association (NOA) Future Contact Lens Leader Scholarship. Each year, the NOA, in partnership with CooperVision, offers these scholarships to three optometry students in their 3rd or 4th year or residency. The scholarship program also includes professional development and networking opportunities. (Applications for the 2025 scholarship are currently open).
In this Q&A, Jerbrea shares what first sparked her interest in optometry, how she’s making a difference in the community through SCO, and what receiving the NOA Future Contact Lens Leader Scholarship means for her future.
When did you first become interested in contact lenses and optometry?
I first became interested in optometry during my first year of undergraduate after hearing from a local optometrist who spoke about her journey to and through optometry school. I gained a special interest in contact lenses after learning about them during my second year of optometry school. During this time, my sister was diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition that severely affects vision. Witnessing how contact lenses significantly improved her vision and overall quality of life, I realized the profound impact these devices can have.
What have been some highlights of your experience as an optometry school student at SCO?
Choosing an optometry school was hard, but I am confident I made the right decision. The people I have met — classmates, faculty, and staff– have been so supportive. One of my favorite experiences inside the classroom was during my specialty contact lens seminar where I was selected as 1 of 4 students to serve as a patient for ortho-k lenses, specifically CooperVision’s Paragon CRT® lenses. This was a unique opportunity because we had the chance to learn about the process from start to finish. I had the opportunity to do this, thanks to CooperVision.
Outside of the classroom, SCO has provided me with numerous unique opportunities to provide meaningful service to the local Memphis community. We learn how to interact with diverse populations, participate in vision screenings at local schools, and provide full exams at nursing homes. These experiences have not only honed my clinical skills but also deepened my understanding of the diverse needs of our community. One of my favorite service events was last summer when we provided vision screenings to school-aged children during a back-to-school backpack drive, where over 500 students were in attendance.
What makes you most passionate about optometry?
In my experience seeing patients, I have witnessed how an eye exam often unfolds upon much more than one’s visual needs. Eyecare providers frequently serve as a link to an ophthalmologist, primary care doctor, therapist, and much more. In this profession, I believe I am afforded a unique opportunity to impact others beyond the walls of an office building. Due to our profession allowing for mobile care, we often meet individuals during various stages of life, whether it’s a school screening for children, a community health fair for adults, or an assisted living facility for elders. As an optometrist, my mission will be to provide the best standard of care possible while remaining mindful of my patient’s visual and health needs.
What are your career goals after graduation?
Upon earning my degree, I aim to educate individuals on the importance of ocular health while providing exceptional treatment. I have a desire to provide eye care services to underserved Mississippi communities. I would like to specialize in cornea and contact lenses to help individuals with corneal diseases and dystrophies. Providing services such as specialty contact lens fits and dry eye treatments can be life-changing for some patients.
What did it mean to you to receive the NOA Future Contact Lens Leader Scholarship?
Receiving this scholarship was truly an honor. Even with the name of this scholarship, it empowers me to believe that I can and will be a contact lens leader in my community. This scholarship has been very helpful in lowering costs related to attending optometry school. I am eternally grateful to the NOA and CooperVision for their generous scholarship and their gracious giving.
Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
During middle school, I started wearing braces and glasses which were not an ideal combo for me as a cheerleader, specifically a flyer who was at the top of the pyramid. At this time, I started wearing contact lenses and was fit into CooperVision Biofinity® lenses. Being a new contact lens wearer, I remember having difficulty with insertion and removal. After a lot of time and practice, I became a pro. Contact lenses provided me with improved cosmesis and confidence. Ten years later, being awarded the NOA Future Contact Lens Leader Scholarship is a full-circle moment for me.
Apply or find out more about the NOA Future Contact Lens Leader Scholarship here.
