2026 Scholarship Recipients

Sarah Ware

2026 Dr. William H. Townsend Memorial Scholarship

The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) has awarded Sarah Ware of Little Rock the 2026 Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship. The annual scholarship recognizes an Arkansas optometry student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, service, and a commitment to advancing the profession of optometry. The scholarship was established in memory of the late Dr. William H. Townsend in recognition of his lifetime of service to the profession.

Ware is a third-year student at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis and is expected to graduate in May 2028. She serves as President of the Arkansas State Club and Treasurer of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) at Southern College of Optometry, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and organized optometry.

"Sarah has demonstrated that exceptional communication and leadership are essential qualities for tomorrow's optometric physicians," said Matt Burns, Executive Director of the Arkansas Optometric Association. "Through her service to fellow students and her dedication to organized optometry, she is already making a positive impact on the profession. We are proud to recognize her as this year's Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship recipient and look forward to seeing the difference she will make for her patients and the profession in the years ahead."

In her scholarship essay, Ware reflected on the importance of communication in providing exceptional patient care and building strong professional relationships. She wrote that effective communication strengthens trust between doctors and patients, improves teamwork within a practice, enhances collaboration with other healthcare providers, and allows optometrists to become stronger advocates for their patients and profession. She concluded that communication will be one of the most valuable tools she will carry into her career as an optometric physician.

The Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship honors the legacy of one of Arkansas's most influential optometrists. Dr. Townsend was the first African American licensed to practice optometry in Arkansas and maintained a private practice in Little Rock for more than 50 years. Beyond his contributions to eye care, he was a respected civic leader and served 24 years in the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he consistently championed legislation to improve the visual welfare of Arkansans and expand access to quality eye care.

Each year, the Arkansas Optometric Association awards the $1,500 Dr. William H. Townsend Scholarship to an Arkansas resident attending an accredited college of optometry who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, service, and dedication to the profession.

Chase Bowerman

2026 Dr. Milton Webb Optometric Leadership and Service Scholarship

The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) has awarded Chase Bowerman of Springdale the 2026 Dr. Milton Webb Optometric Leadership and Service Scholarship. The annual scholarship recognizes an Arkansas optometry student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the profession of optometry. Established in memory of the late Dr. Milton Webb through a gift from his wife's estate, the scholarship honors Dr. Webb's lifetime of service to optometry.

Bowerman is a fourth-year student at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry and is expected to graduate in May 2027. He currently serves as President of the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) after previously serving as an AOSA Trustee. His leadership also includes serving as Giving Sight Day Co-Chair, President of the NSUOCO Private Practice Club, and a member of the NSUOCO Executive Council. Throughout optometry school, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving both his fellow students and the profession.

"Chase has distinguished himself through servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to organized optometry," said Matt Burns, Executive Director of the Arkansas Optometric Association. "His willingness to lead, mentor fellow students, and advocate for the future of the profession reflects the very qualities that Dr. Milton Webb exemplified throughout his career. Chase is an outstanding representative of the next generation of Arkansas optometric leaders."

In his scholarship essay, Bowerman reflected on how his leadership experiences have shaped him personally and professionally. Through opportunities to serve at the local, state, and national levels, he has developed a deeper appreciation for collaboration, advocacy, and servant leadership. He wrote that these experiences have strengthened his confidence, broadened his perspective, and prepared him to serve not only his future patients, but also the profession of optometry throughout his career. He also expressed his commitment to continuing that leadership after graduation, recognizing that today's student leaders will shape the future of the profession.

The Dr. Milton Webb Optometric Leadership and Service Scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Milton Webb, whose lifelong dedication to leadership, service, and organized optometry continues to inspire future generations of Arkansas optometrists. Each year, the Arkansas Optometric Association awards the $1,500 scholarship to an Arkansas resident attending an accredited college of optometry who demonstrates exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and service to the profession.

Daniel Spears

2026 Dr. Milton Webb Optometric Leadership and Service Scholarship

Daniel Spears of Texarkana is the recipient of the 2026 Dr. George A. Haas Scholarship, presented by Arkansas Eye Associates through the Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA). The scholarship recognizes a Southern College of Optometry student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, community service, and a commitment to advancing the profession of optometry in Arkansas.

Spears is a fourth-year student at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis and is expected to graduate in May 2027. He currently serves as Class President and has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his active involvement in organized optometry and legislative advocacy. Throughout optometry school, Spears has represented the profession at both the Arkansas State Capitol and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that improve access to quality eye care and advance the profession.

"Daniel embodies the advocacy, leadership, and dedication to Arkansas optometry that Dr. George Haas exemplified throughout his remarkable career," said Matt Burns, Executive Director of the Arkansas Optometric Association. "His passion for serving patients, returning to Arkansas to practice, and remaining actively involved in organized optometry makes him an outstanding recipient of the Dr. George A. Haas Scholarship. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on both his community and our profession."

In his scholarship application, Spears reflected on the importance of giving back to the profession that has provided him with countless opportunities for growth. He described how his leadership experiences, advocacy efforts, and service to his classmates have reinforced his desire to return home to Arkansas following graduation. Spears wrote that he hopes to provide exceptional patient care while remaining actively engaged in organized optometry, legislative advocacy, and mentoring future generations of optometrists.

The Dr. George A. Haas Scholarship is presented by Arkansas Eye Associates (AEA) through the Arkansas Optometric Association in honor of Dr. George A. Haas, one of the most influential leaders in the history of Arkansas optometry. During his 45-year career, Dr. Haas helped lead landmark legislative efforts that expanded the scope of practice for optometrists and improved access to eye care throughout the state. He also served as President of the Arkansas Optometric Association, chaired its Legal & Legislative Committee, served on the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, and founded Arkansas Eye Associates to improve access to optometric care for hundreds of thousands of Arkansans. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of optometric leaders.

The $1,500 Dr. George A. Haas Scholarship is awarded annually to a Southern College of Optometry student who shares Dr. Haas's passion for optometry, community service, leadership, and advancing the profession in Arkansas.