Newsroom > Practice Solutions > Premier Edge > VSP Future Leaders Academy Opens 2027 Application
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – Today, VSP Vision™ announced that applications are now open for the 2027 VSP® Future Leaders Academy, with a deadline of July 31. Now in its second year, the Future Leaders Academy is a nine-month professional development program that equips recent optometry school graduates and early-career optometrists with the leadership, clinical, and business skills to thrive in the optometric industry.
“Following a successful inaugural year and continued momentum into 2026, we’re honored by the strong positive reception from last year's graduates and the growing interest in the VSP Future Leaders Academy,” said VSP Vision Senior Director of Doctor Relations Quy Nguyen, OD. “We’re proud to support the next generation of doctors through this unique program that expands their knowledge of both the clinical and business sides of eye care, while elevating their leadership abilities and optometric careers.”
Offering exclusive mentorship and leadership development, acceptance into the Future Leaders Academy is highly competitive. Through a mix of virtual and in-person gatherings, participants gain:
• Effective communication skills and insights into the profession • Business and financial acumen sessions • One-on-one mentorship opportunities with established, senior-level optometrists • Small group leadership lab discussions • Networking events to expand professional connections
To round out the program, participants are required to complete and present a capstone project prior to the graduation ceremony at VSP Vision Headquarters in Rancho Cordova, Calif.
“I highly recommend the Future Leaders Academy program for the camaraderie with those who are in similar professional situations,” said Alex Bennett, OD, who practices in the Los Angeles area. “The friendships that I’ve made through this will hopefully be life long and it’s been valuable to share our successes, our struggles and opportunities for change and growth along the way.”
The VSP Future Leaders Academy is another example of how VSP Vision is doubling down on its support of the optometric profession, having repaid more than $3 million through the VSP Vision Student Loan Repayment program, while also having awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to optometry students.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for the Future Leaders Academy by July 31.
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About VSP Vision At VSP Vision™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP® has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 44,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope®. To date, more than 4.5 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we're reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.