Partnerships, scholarships, and mentorships power diversity in optometry.
Demonstrating care has been a cornerstone of VSP’s values since our inception thanks, in part, to one of our founders—the groundbreaking Dr. Marvin R. Poston. The first Black American licensed to practice optometry on the West Coast, Dr. Poston’s legacy of equitable opportunities and compassionate service lives on through our work with external partners, educational institutions, and future optometrists.
Innovative programs, like our partnership with Black EyeCare Perspective and our Visioning the Future Mentorship Program for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in collaboration with the National Optometric Association (NOA) and the Dr. Marvin R. Poston Foundation, fuel diversity in the profession.
Partnering with schools and colleges of optometry across the United States, VSP Vision has provided more than $3 million in scholarship support through a variety of programs designed to help optometry students reach their career goals. More than 60 scholarships are awarded annually.
Explore how we support the next generation of optometrists.
BEP Partnership
As part of its multi-year partnership, VSP and Black EyeCare Perspective announce the inaugural “Empowering Equity Scholarship” which will provide $15,000 scholarships to a pair of eligible optometry students.
Dr. Frank Fontana Memorial Scholarship
Aubry Tackett, optometry student honoree of Dr. Frank Fontana Memorial Scholarship, discusses diversity, flexibility, opportunity, and responsibility in celebrating Women’s History Month.
2022 Vision of Hope Scholarship
Alyssa Holland, 2022 Vision of Hope Scholarship recipient shares her atypical inspiration for pursuing a career in optometry in rural communities.
Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award
ABO-certified optician turned optometry student, Ade Owolewa, accepts the 2022 Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award from VSP Vision and the National Optometric Association.