Giving Opportunities

For the past 100 years, the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science has been at the forefront of optometric education and vision research, shaping the future of eye care and vision research. Our commitment to excellence and dedication to clinical care have been the driving forces behind our journey.

Join us as we continue to educate, innovate, and make a profound impact on individuals’ lives. Together, we can ensure that the next century of the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science shines even brighter, providing a legacy of vision, health equity, and opportunity for all.

Annual Fund

All of us. Every Berkeley-trained optometrist. Every Year.

Unrestricted funds help realize the dean’s strategic initiatives in the clinic, the doctor of optometry program, the vision science PhD program, and across the school. Your annual participation confirms to our external competitors that Berkeley graduates the best doctors and the strongest alumni. Make your gift today.

Emeryville Satellite Campus Fund

Help create a new satellite campus in Emeryville, CA

We are building a new satellite campus in Emeryville, CA, which will operate under the umbrella of The Herbert Wertheim Centers of Excellence for Eye Care and Vision Health. Among other services, the new campus will feature a clinic that will deliver a model of pediatric eye care and vision health that encompasses everything from well-baby and toddler pediatric clinics to disease management, binocular vision, vision therapy, children’s contact lenses, special needs eye care, myopia control, and more.

The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr. Equity Fund

Fellowships for optometry students who have overcome disadvantaged social or educational backgrounds.

An inspirational and beloved member of our optometric community, Dr. Oden established the fund with the $30,000 award he received as the recipient of the 2023 Peter E. Haas Public Service Award. That prize recognizes an alumnus or alumna of the university who, through his or her personal efforts, has made a significant contribution to the public good in the United States.

The Marvin R. Poston Opportunity Fund

Support recruitment and outreach efforts to ensure diversity in the field of optometry.

Your gift to the Marvin R. Poston Opportunity Fund supports recruitment and outreach efforts to attract the best students and to advance an inclusive graduate community. The fund is named after the first African American to graduate from the School of Optometry, who went on to national recognition and respect as an optometrist, community leader, role model, and statesman. His life is a reflection of hard work, determination, and accomplishment.

Support Our Children’s Vision Fund

So Every Child Sees, One School at a Time, One Child at a Time

With our children’s vision programs and our future-integrated Children’s Vision Clinic, we work tirelessly to give our youngest generation the gift of vision, a gift that can shape their future.

The Ian and Valerie Bailey Low Vision Residency Fund

Help support our low vision residents!

Your gift honors Ian and Valerie Bailey and helps provide opportunities for our current Low Vision residents to deepen their knowledge of the field, through conference travel grants, new equipment, and other important resources. Your generosity is an integral part of the high-quality care our residents provide to low vision patients.

Big Give

The campus-wide day of giving – Big Give – is a 24-hour online giving campaign in support of our school, our clinics, programs, and students. Thanks to our amazing optometry community, we raised over $712,083 in just 24 hours in 2025. BIG THANKS to everyone who donated!