Kalina Grimm
Normally at this time of year we would gather to celebrate and toast the achievements of our fourth year students. While that’s not possible this year, we want to take a moment to recognize the Class of 2020 for their hard work, professionalism, resiliency in the face of the current health crisis, and most of all, their thoughtfulness and compassion, as demonstrated by their generous and heartwarming class gift. While we are disappointed that we are not able to join together in person, we are so proud of this group of extraordinary soon-to-be optometrists and colleagues — you are all invaluable members of our community, and we have no doubt that you will be an indispensable asset to our profession. Congrats to all!
Gold Retinoscope
The amazing Kalina Grimm is our 2020 Gold Retinoscope winner, as well as our Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medalist. Kalina started her optometric career while a UC Berkeley undergrad by working with the Foresight Club, EyePACS, and Project Vision, a student-run volunteer organization that supports access to vision care. She led the Mixed Student Union, an inclusive resource for multiracial students and allies. In her first three years of Optometry school she traveled with VOSH, served as UCOSA Philanthropy Chair, helped with the Equipment Committee, and led EyeChat to give students more insight into non-traditional optometric career paths. Kalina was also the recipient of the inaugural Alumni of the Year Scholarship as a 3rd year student.
More Awards!
Each year, our partners and friends generously sponsor awards for students who have distinguished themselves over the course of our four year OD program. Congrats to all!
Alcon Case Study Award
Amanda Dieu
The HOYA Student Leadership Award
Justin Duong-Mac
The Bernell Binocular Award
Lucas Wilson
The COVD Binocular Vision Award
Chrystina Yu
Johnson & Johnson Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care
Connie Chen
GP Contact Lens Clinical Excellence Award
Stephanie Tran
Optelec Excellence in Low Vision Award
Isis Topete
The William Feinbloom Low Vision Award
Monica Rani
Robert Greer Excellence in Low Vision Award
Rachel Kim
Bill Mattingly Memorial Scholarship
Rachel Kim
Bernhardt N. Thal, OD, VSP Excellence in Primary Care Scholarship Award
Stephanie Tran
Marvin R. Poston, OD, VSP Excellence in Primary Care Scholarship Award
Rebecca Stapornkul
Graduating with Honors in Research and Clinical Science
Michelle Holmes
Mentor: Sarah Kochick, OD, PhD, FAAO
Title: An analysis of the efficacy of orthokeratology lenses in myopia control efforts in a retrospective study of the UC Berkeley School of Optometry
Danielle Kolschefski
Mentor: Deborah Orel-Bixler, OD, PhD, FAAO
Title: Visual acuity: Comparison of Teller Acuity Cards to the UC Berkeley Grading Cards
Teaching Awards
Voted by the students, this year’s teaching awards go to:
The Dr. Michael G. Harris Award
Dr. Glen Ozawa
The Dr. Roy Brandreth Award
Dr. Sandra Harpster