March 20, 2024 — VSP Vision has expanded its student loan repayment program with an additional $4 million investment to help optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists burdened with student loan debt. This combined with last year’s $2 million investment results in a total payout of $6 million over the next four years, and VSP will select 20 recipients—10 more than last year.

The program asks applicants to take a role in an underserved community for up to four years, and this year features more qualifying locations. Applicants can choose from various practice modalities including private practice, retail, corporate, medical, or onsite clinics.

Optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists who are willing to relocate for up to four years to practice in an underserved community, including those who were not selected last year, are invited to apply here. The program provides up to $200,000 in debt relief regardless of previously awarded scholarships. Applications will be accepted until all funds are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

"One of the things we regularly hear from doctors is the financial pressures they face coming out of school, which can sometimes hinder their ability to work in the modality of their choice, like private practice," says VSP Vision president and CEO Michael Guyette. "To help address that, we launched the student loan repayment program…and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re proud to expand our investment this year."

Last year, the program saw 350 applicants from 45 states, with 10 recipients selected: five were fourth-year students and five were licensed optometrists. The optometrists were placed in underserved communities in Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

“Through this program, I have had the opportunity to not only contribute to the long-term growth of a private practice but also provide eye care in an optometrist-scarce area,” says Hasnain Nizar, O.D., a 2023 program recipient. “By alleviating financial pressures, I am able to focus my efforts and attention on reducing barriers to care and working towards making eye care accessible to all.”