Schools and Colleges of Optometry

Access information and resources designed to help students on their path to optometry.

Schools and Colleges of Optometry

Access information and resources designed to help students on their path to optometry.

Supporting the Next Generation of Optometrists

Partnering with schools and colleges of optometry across the United States, VSP Vision™ offers a variety of programs and resources designed to help optometry students reach their career goals. VSP^® has proudly supported optometry for more than 65 years and is committed to assisting students and new graduates coming into the profession.

Explore below to see the variety of options available to students and new ODs.

Career Support through Premier Pathways

Your Clear Path Forward. Premier Pathways™ partners with schools of optometry to share career support with students and graduates that give them choices in where and how they practice. From private practice to retail, job seekers can choose from a variety of settings. Designed to support an optometrist’s career growth from the start, Premier Pathways offers valuable resources such as:

The Premier Student Business Challenge Scholarship
Networking events
Travel grants for various events such as VEE, VEW, and SECO
The student immersion program
And more!

NEW: Premier Pathways Business Track
Get access to courses hand-picked with students and recent graduate optometrists in mind. Developed by experts, topics cover a broad range such as marketing, practice management, and building your career. Learn how to register here.

Learn more below or connect using the Premier Pathways contact form at the bottom of this page.

Learn More Connect

Private Practice Clubs

VSP supports the Private Practice Clubs at all schools of optometry in the U.S. to help prepare students for the next steps in their optometric career. VSP works with these organizations to provide resources and deliver presentations on a wide range of optometric business principles.

Students can connect with their school’s club to learn more.
Scholarship Program

Students have access to a variety of scholarships offered in partnership with the schools of optometry, state associations, and more. Check out some of the scholarships and awards available:

Explore Scholarships
NOSA Chapters

As part of VSP’s partnership with the National Optometric Association (NOA), VSP supports the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) Chapters at all participating schools of optometry in the U.S. to inspire students to promote diversity within the field of optometry and to use optometry as a platform for community service. VSP works with each Chapter to provide resources, experiences and opportunities for their members.

Students can connect with their school’s NOSA Chapter to learn more.
Travel Grants

VSP offers Travel “Go” Grants throughout the year to send students to various events and tradeshows, such as American Academy of Optometry, National Optometric Association Convention, and others. Plus, these grants are available to all students!
Student Immersion Program

In collaboration with partnering doctors and schools of optometry, VSP facilitates an optometry student immersion program that takes a small group of students and immerses them in a private practice for about two days. Developed based on feedback from student outreach with the schools of optometry, this program allows students to see the daily life of private practice first-hand.

Check out how much these UHCO students enjoyed their experience with Dr. Cuong Tran and his amazing office staff in December 2019!

Meet the Team

Ron Kemper
Western Region

University & Student Relations Manager
ron.kemper@vsp.com

Stephanie Ganiban
Eastern Region

University & Student Relations Manager
stephanie.ganiban@vsp.com

Vernon Dela Cruz

University & Student Relations
Program Manager
vernde@vsp.com

Schools of Optometry Advisory Panel

The VSP Vision Schools of Optometry Advisory Panel is comprised of practicing Doctors of Optometry and industry leaders with deep knowledge of and special interest in student and academic enrichment. This panel provides input, information, and guidance to help maximize efforts with optometric students.