VSP Vision Recognizes Annette Kretov as Winner of 2025 Rick Bay Student Innovator Competition

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – VSP Vision^™, in collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Optometry and the Rick Bay Foundation, announced Annette Kretov as the recipient of the Rick Bay Student Innovator Competition. The $5,000 grant recognizes innovative, creative and feasible ideas in the areas of clinical eye care, research, and practice management presented by an optometry student.

Kretov earned the award for creating time-progression videos of vision loss for various eye diseases to use in educational social media programs for preventing vision loss. 

“We’re proud to sponsor the Rick Bay Student Innovator Competition and support the next generation of optometrists,” said VSP Vision Chief Provider & Industry Solutions Officer Michelle Skinner. “Annette’s idea was fresh and thoughtful, and her passion really stood out. VSP is here for doctors every step of the way, and we’re excited to cheer her on as she builds her career.”

A selection committee, comprised of the Ohio State University faculty and staff, has awarded this grant each year since 2018 with sponsorship from VSP Vision and additional support from the Rick Bay Foundation.

“The Rick Bay Student Innovator Competition would not be possible without our generous sponsors like VSP Vision and the Rick Bay Foundation,” said Melissa Bailey, OD, PhD, Professor of Optometry and Chair of Ohio State’s Student Awards Committee. “Annette’s passion for optometry was evident in her creative and informative social media content. We know she will go far in her career.”

To date, VSP Vision has provided more than $4 million in scholarship support to nearly 1,200 optometry students and will award 70 scholarships in 2025. To learn more, visit https://www.vspproviderhub.com/scholarships.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.