Financial Stability. Job Security.
Peace of Mind.
Financial Stability. Job Security.
Peace of Mind.
VSP Vision Student Loan Repayment Program
Financial stability. Job security. Peace of mind. The VSP Vision™ Student Loan Repayment Program offers real relief for optometry students, recent graduates, and other practicing professionals burdened with student debt. This program provides selected ODs up to $200,000 in debt relief if they commit to working in a VSP-owned location or private practice*
This investment aims to help optometry students and doctors address student debt while further incentivizing staffing in underserved communities.
Hear From a Peer
See how a VSP Network provider is supporting her community with help from the VSP Vision Student Loan Repayment Program.
Optometry: A Bridge to Care in Healthcare Deserts
This article in The Hill depicts the challenges of “healthcare deserts,” sharing the story of Dr. Mariam Siddiqui, who joined an optometry practice in an underserved suburb of Chicago.
Program Details
Please note that loan repayment applications for 2025 are now closed. Please check back in late 2025 for the 2026 application window.
- Who is eligible**: Third- and fourth-year optometry students, resident students, recent graduates, and practicing optometrists with student debt are invited to apply for the program. (All applicants who were not selected into the program in previous years are encouraged to apply again).
- Funding: The program provides up to $200,000 of debt relief, regardless of scholarships previously awarded. If selected, program funds will be paid directly to a reputable student loan servicer. Funds will not be delivered as cash or checks to the program applicant.
- Relocation requirements: All applicants must be willing to relocate for up to 4 years to practice in an underserved or high need community. The list of eligible communities across the country has expanded and can be discussed with program recruiters during the selection process.
- Number of recipients: In 2025, VSP is planning to fund 20 recipients, bringing the total number of program recipients to 50 since inception.
- Selection criteria: Recipients of this program are selected for their dedication to optometry, patient care, and serving communities in need. Recipients will participate in an interview with recruiters during the selection process.
- Network requirements: This program is available for various practice modalities within VSP network locations including private practice, retail, corporate, medical, and onsite clinics. VSP will do its best to provide candidates with job opportunities based on expressed career preferences.
- Timing: Applications for 2025 will be accepted until all funds are allocated and will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
**Private practice doctor owners are not eligible for student loan repayment. Private practices looking to hire an OD can visit hire.premieredgecareers.com