Living in Purpose Application

Apply today to expand eye care access in your community—and empower a nonprofit with a $10,000 grant.

mobile clinic bus

Honoring a Visionary Leader with Purpose

In memory of Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum, OD, whose compassion and service shaped countless lives, VSP Vision™ is launching a new program to continue her legacy. A devoted VSP® Ambassador, Sacramento Valley Optometric Society leader, and VSP Eyes of Hope® volunteer, Dr. Kirschbaum dedicated her career to expanding access to eye care.

The annual program will empower a VSP network doctor to choose a nonprofit and serve on a multi-day VSP Eyes of Hope® mobile clinic event in their community. The selected nonprofit will also receive a $10,000 VSP Vision grant in honor of the doctor and in memory of Dr. Kirschbaum’s decades of service.

As part of the experience, the participating doctor may also host an optional “Coffee on the Clinic” gathering—inviting local colleagues to connect, learn from their experience, and spark new ideas for giving back in their own practices.

Be the first recipient of the inaugural Living in Purpose award! Apply by February 28, 2026, to expand access to eye care and support a nonprofit you care about.
Apply Now

Remembering Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum:
 

VSP Ambassador Dr. Nichole Moos shares Dr. Kirchbaum’s lasting impact and the importance of optometrists being engaged in their communities:

2026 Program Details

  • Application Window: January 14 – February 28, 2026  
  • Eligibility: VSP network private practice doctors in good standing. The registered nonprofit organization must be listed in the VSP Vision Community Portal. See full Terms & Conditions. 
  • Winner Notified: By April 15, 2026 
  • Mobile Clinic Event: A multi-day vision care outreach event supported by the VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic (minimum 25 patients/day), scheduled between June and November at a mutually agreed-upon date within the U.S. 
  • Grant: A $10,000 VSP Vision grant will be awarded to the doctor’s selected nonprofit (must be a 501(c)(3) or state-recognized equivalent listed in the VSP Vision Community Portal)
  • Cost: VSP will cover all expenses for the Eyes of Hope mobile clinic and the optional “Coffee on the Clinic” gathering 
  • Selection criteria: The selection committee will rate the answers to the application questions based on a scale, rating how compelling the answer is, how it demonstrates leadership, and how it can inspire others to action. Additionally, the committee will rate the potential impact on the community of the proposed mobile clinic event and charitable partnership. 

How to Apply

  1. Create a short video (seven minutes maximum) that addresses the following topics and save it to your preferred app (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.):
    1. Discuss how you’ve worked to improve access to eye care in your practice or community.
    2. Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum had a contagious passion for helping others. Provide specific examples of how you inspire others to give back.
    3. Explain your relationship with your chosen nonprofit partner. How does their mission align with your values, and what impact do you hope to achieve together?
    4. How will your participation in this program create a lasting impact for your community and the nonprofit partner?
  2. Fill out the short application form below and link to the video.

Questions? Please refer to the FAQs and Terms & Conditions for full details.

Application Form

All fields are required unless noted.

Are you a VSP network doctor?
Were you/are you a participant in the VSP Future Leaders Academy?
Have you previously volunteered with a VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic?

Please save a video, seven minutes maximum, with your responses to the prompts to your preferred app (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) and include a link to your video:

I agree to the VSP Vision Media Release Form. By typing my name below, I understand and agree that this form of electronic signature has the same legal force and effect as a manual signature.
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