Sept. 14, 2023 — VSP Vision has invested $2 million to launch a student loan repayment program for optometrists that also incentivizes staffing in underserved communities. The announcement comes ahead of the resumption of federal student loan payments previously paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists can receive up to $50,000 per year for four years regardless of scholarships. To be eligible, participants must commit to working in a private practice or other optometric modality that serves a community with limited access to eye care within VSP’s network, including private practices participating in VSP Premier Edge, Visionworks, VSP Ventures, iCare, Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets, and VSP Vision on-site clinics.
 
In addition to the student loan relief, VSP also announced new career support and job placement services. Premier Edge Career Support offers personalized consultations, networking opportunities, business education, hiring resources, and job placement at Premier Edge practices. VSP Vision Careers in Eye Care offers recruiters who connect doctors to immediate opportunities in a variety of practice settings, shares VSP.
 
“The voice of the doctor informs everything we do, and these programs are another example of how we’re continuing to invest in solutions that directly support optometrists at every career stage,” says VSP Vision President and CEO Michael Guyette. “Just like the broader industry, doctor preferences and needs are evolving quickly, which is why it’s so important that we deliver solutions that offer doctors choices, resources, and support to enable their long-term success.”