Optometry students equipped with the necessary skills
CooperVision recently hosted its 2026 Summit at the company’s global headquarters in Victor, N.Y., as part of its Student Contact Lens and Myopia Leadership Society, according to an announcement from the company. This year-long professional development program is designed to equip optometry students with the necessary skills for clinical practice and leadership, underscoring CooperVision’s ongoing commitment to the future of optometry, the company said, and the 2026 Summit provided an immersive experience within the broader program.
Students participated in interactive workshops focused on toric, multifocal, and myopia management contact lenses, designed to build fitting confidence and reinforce evidence-based care. Small-group rotations encouraged discussion, collaboration, and real-world clinical problem-solving. Students also toured CooperVision’s Rochester-area manufacturing and distribution facilities, gaining firsthand insight into how made-to-order contact lenses are manufactured and delivered globally, the company noted.
“The CooperVision Summit has elevated my confidence in fitting and troubleshooting toric, multifocal, ortho-K, and MiSight 1 day contact lenses,” said Gabrielle Nelson, a student at Michigan College of Optometry. “It has also given me the opportunity to meet both industry and student leaders who I otherwise would not have been able to engage with and learn from.”
In addition to clinical education, the Summit emphasized professional growth, with sessions focused on wellness, communication, leadership pathways, and career development. Panel discussions and networking activities created opportunities for students to engage directly with CooperVision leaders and their peers.
“This experience deepened my understanding of CooperVision’s innovative contact lens designs and approach to myopia management as a standard of care, while allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals,” said Helena Woo, University of Waterloo. “I am extremely grateful to be a part of a program led by a company with a strong commitment to supporting students, the profession, and giving back to the community.”
The CooperVision Student Contact Lens and Myopia Leadership Society brings together select second- and third-year optometry students from schools across the U.S. and Canada, nominated by faculty to serve one-year ambassador roles. Members gain access to hands-on education, leadership development, networking, and exposure to industry and clinical perspectives throughout the academic year, the announcement said. Through programs like this, CooperVision said it reinforces its commitment to advancing optometric education and supporting future leaders of the profession.
“Through the Student Contact Lens and Myopia Leadership Society, we aim to connect education with real-world experience,” said Steve Rosinski, OD, senior manager, professional affairs, Northeast, CooperVision. “The program is designed to help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, network with future leaders and prepare for long-term success in the profession.”
