VSP Vision Celebrates $1 Million in Debt Relief for Optometry Students Through Loan Repayment Program

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – Today, VSP Vision^™ announced it has provided more than $1 million in debt relief through the VSP Vision Student Loan Repayment Program, helping to alleviate the significant financial pressures faced by many doctors and optometry students. 

“Supporting the long-term success of the profession of optometry, and especially private practice, has been a cornerstone of our purpose for 70 years,” said VSP Vision President and CEO Michael Guyette. “VSP’s Student Loan Repayment Program is another example of how our unique business model enables us to reinvest profits in support of our stakeholders, rather than shareholders, while also addressing access challenges in communities nationwide.”

Earlier this year, VSP Vision announced it is extending the Student Loan Repayment Program and investing an additional $4 million, bringing the company’s total commitment to $10 million. In addition to providing debt relief, this program aims to address critical access gaps by encouraging doctors to serve in healthcare deserts and underserved communities where eye care access is limited. 

Since the program’s inception in 2023, VSP Vision has provided relief to 30 optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists, and the company plans to fund 20 new recipients this year alone. 

Third and fourth-year optometry students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists with student debt are invited to apply for the program. All applicants must be willing to relocate for up to four years to practice in an underserved or high-need community. The list of eligible communities across the country has expanded and offers the unique ability for applicants to select their preferred modality—including an independent practice.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Student Loan Repayment Program from VSP,” said loan recipient, Dr. Mariam Siddiqi. “I am working in a great private practice location and can focus on my patients without the stress of student debt.”

Recipients of this program are selected for their dedication to optometry, patient care, and serving communities in need. 

Learn more about the Student Loan Repayment Program here: https://www.vspproviderhub.com/loan-repayment.html

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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 the 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 more than 85 million members through a network of more than 42,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Vision Eyes of Hope^®. To date, more than 4 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.