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
VSP Partners with Black EyeCare Perspective to eliminate inequities and increase the representation of People of Color in the eye care industry.
Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award
Five optometry students are honored for service to community and the optometry profession with the Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award.
Visioning the Future
The Visioning the Future mentorship program, inspired by Dr. Marvin R. Poston, celebrates 12 new optometry students.
Ohio State Innovator Award
Optometry student’s use of augmented reality is recognized with the VSP sponsored Ohio State Innovator Award.