Mental Health In Optometry Scholarship Fund

Dr. Noam Nicholson, O.D. was born May 11th, 1989 in Boston, MA, but grew up mostly in Seattle, WA. As a child, Noam was artistic, creative, and sweet. As a young adult, Noam became known for his sense of humor and skills in the kitchen. After studying sciences at University of Washington and interning at an optometry clinic, Noam found a passion in eye care and decided to attend Southern College of Optometry to become a Doctor of Optometry with a focus in dry eye research and care. Graduating Cum Laude from SCO in 2023, Noam moved to the San Diego area to begin his career. He was hired at an excellent clinic in Carlsbad, CA and quickly developed a reputation as a talented and well-respected optometrist. Most people didn’t realize that Noam had battled mental health challenges for many years; which were exacerbated by the stresses of studying at SCO, especially during the 2020 covid lockdowns. He became driven to improve mental health awareness and practices both at college and in the eye care industry. Though Noam and his family tried everything they could to ease his challenges and foster stability; it became too much to bear, and tragically Noam took his own life on July 15th, 2024. Noam lived and died a beloved son, brother, friend, and optometrist. www.NoamNicholson.com