(PRESS RELEASE) RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — The VSP Global Premier Program announced a new scholarship opportunity for optometry students interested in a path to private practice ownership. In collaboration with the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME) and Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN), the VSP Premier Program Student Business Challenge asks applicants to submit a business plan and timeline that describes their unique professional and personal pathway to owning a private practice.
“This scholarship is another example of how the VSP Premier Program is supporting the journey to private practice for the next generation of optometry,” said Michelle Skinner, chief growth officer of VSP Global. “We hope this new scholarship will not only encourage students to focus on their future plans, but also inspire them to move forward in their careers as confident business professionals.”
One optometry student will be awarded one (1) $10,000 scholarship, plus a travel grant to the annual SOLN Conference. In addition, two (2) runners-up will be awarded $5,000 each, plus each will receive a travel grant to the annual SOLN Conference.
“The Association of Practice Management Educators is very excited to be partnering with VSP and SOLN in providing this exceptional scholarship,” said APME immediate past chair, John Larcabal, OD. “The process should help the students prepare to enter private practice and assist them in achieving their professional and personal goals.”
APME judges will evaluate and select the top three candidates, who will be contacted to present their business plans at the 2022 SOLN Conference where the official winner will be announced.
“As a recent graduate, I know too well the financial toll optometry school can take. I am very happy to be a part of the creation of a scholarship which not only helps to minimize this burden but encourages future optometrists to strive for private practice excellence,” said SOLN executive director, Jessica Capri, OD.
Applicants must be a current student attending one of the 24 schools or colleges of optometry with a SOLN-affiliated Private Practice Club. They must also be an active Private Practice Club board member representative from their school of optometry.
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2022. For questions about the scholarship, contact education@vspglobal.com.