Celebrating this Year's EmpowerHer Scholarship Recipient

Eye Recommend is proud to announce Rachel McDougall as the recipient of the 2025 EmpowerHer Optometry Scholarship. This award recognizes outstanding second-year female optometry students who show exceptional promise and a commitment to the future of independent optometry practice.

Rachel’s optometry journey has been shaped by both academic excellence and personal conviction. Before starting her studies at the University of Waterloo, she earned an Honours degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Physiology. Although she knew her career belonged in health care, her exact path wasn’t clear until she spent time shadowing local optometrists in her hometown of Calgary.

Rachel was inspired by how they combined clinical expertise with meaningful patient relationships. This experience sparked her vision for a fulfilling career in independent practice—one where she could unite her love of science and patient care to make a lasting impact.

“Ultimately, I want to be a practitioner who combines clinical excellence with compassion, education, and community engagement, ensuring my patients not only receive exceptional care but also feel heard, respected, and empowered,” Rachel says. “By upholding these values, I hope to help shape the future of optometry as one that is innovative, patient-centred, and deeply committed to improving lives.” 

Rachel McDougall is the recipient of Eye Recommend's 2025 EmpowerHer Optometry Scholarship.

Reflecting on this year’s award, Eye Recommend CEO Lee Raffey shares how rising leaders like Rachel inspire confidence in the future of independent eyecare. 

 “We are incredibly proud to recognize and support the next generation of women leaders in optometry through the EmpowerHer Scholarship. The passion and commitment shown by this year’s applicants remind us why independent optometry matters and how bright the future of our profession truly is. Congratulations to Rachel McDougall for her commitment to the future of independent optometry.”