VSP Future Leaders Academy Kicks Off in New York City

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. – The VSP Future Leaders Academy^™, a VSP Vision^™ professional development program for recent optometry school graduates and early-career optometrists, kicked off its 2025 program by providing a range of professional development and networking opportunities in New York City last month.

“Meeting with the inaugural class of the Future Leaders Academy was an ideal combination of leadership training, community building, and advancing the optometric profession,” said VSP Vision Director of Doctor Relations, Quy Nguyen, OD. “This initiative is one of the many ways VSP continues to invest and support the profession and we look forward to seeing the leadership journey of this talented group of doctors.” 

During the two-day gathering, the 30 selected participants were welcomed by VSP Vision leadership and received a preview of the nine-month curriculum by participating in learning sessions about leadership development and cultivating trust and empathy with patients. 

The VSP Future Leaders Academy will consist of both virtual and in-person connections and will run through November with sessions offering:  
•    Leadership development, communication skills, business and financial acumen, and insights into the optometric profession
•    One-on-one mentorship opportunities with established, senior-level optometrists 
•    Small group leadership lab discussions 
•    Networking events to expand professional connections 

In addition, each academy member is required to complete and present a capstone project at VSP Vision Headquarters in Rancho Cordova, Calif., to round out the program.

“The VSP Future Leaders Academy kickoff weekend was a great introduction to the program,” said Alex Bennett, OD, of Dr. Barry Leonard & Associates in Pasadena, Calif. “We were able to meet colleagues while building on our foundational knowledge of leadership and communication skills. Our cohort was able to practice and refine the skills necessary to deliver clear messages more effectively to our staff and patients. This sets the foundation for becoming better practitioners and leaders, both in practice and in life.” 

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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.