Freedom From Debt, Confidence to Lead, Space to Care

When I graduated from optometry school in 2023, I stepped into a profession I loved—along with significant student loan debt and all the uncertainty that comes with being a new doctor. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly VSP would support me, both financially and as a developing leader.

Loan Relief That Lets Me Focus on What Matters
A few months after graduation, I received an email about VSP’s new Student Loan Repayment Program. It seemed too good to be true, but I applied—and I’m grateful every day that I did. 

The Student Loan Repayment Program places early career optometrists in healthcare deserts—communities with limited access to care and real provider shortages—in exchange for student loan relief. Serving in an underserved area was exactly the kind of work I hoped to do. Many patients hadn’t had eye care in years, some were living with unmanaged health conditions, and all were genuinely grateful when someone finally took the time to help them. The impact was immediate and deeply meaningful.

Having my loans paid off lifted a massive weight. It gave me the mental bandwidth to focus on patient care instead of financial survival. I didn’t have to chase extra hours or cut corners on the thorough, unrushed care I believe every patient deserves. I was even able to purchase a home in my new community with money that otherwise would have gone toward loan payments.

Finding My Voice Through the Future Leaders Academy
About a year later, I applied to VSP’s Future Leaders Academy. As an introvert, leadership had always felt out of reach—but the program changed that. It transformed how I communicate, boosting my confidence and giving me practical skills I use daily—across patient conversations, workplace dynamics, and even personal relationships.

The program also gave me invaluable mentorship from doctors who have walked the path toward practice ownership, something I hope to pursue in the future. And the community of like-minded ODs gave me the encouragement and perspective I didn’t know I needed.

Strengthening the Profession by Supporting Those Who Enter It
The transition from school to practice comes fast, and new ODs are often balancing full schedules, clinical decisions, and financial pressure all at once. What made the difference for me was having structured support during that critical period.

Through loan relief and leadership development, VSP gave me the space to grow—professionally and personally. I was able to focus on patient care, build confidence, and develop the skills I’ll carry throughout my career. As Eye See It, that kind of support strengthens not just the doctors themselves, but the future of the profession as a whole.