(PRESS RELEASE) RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — VSP Vision announced Brooke Pratt the winner of this year’s Premier Edge Student Business Challenge. Pratt, class of 2026, attends Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry.
The Premier Edge Student Business Challenge was designed in collaboration with the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME) and the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN) for optometry students interested in pursuing private practice ownership. Applicants must submit a business plan that describes their professional and personal plan to private practice ownership.
Pratt was awarded this scholarship for the thoroughness and feasibility displayed in the business plan she submitted. As the winner, she was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and a travel grant to the annual SOLN conference on June 4-7, in Houston.
“Congratulations to Brooke on her well-earned win—her passion for patient care and private practice ownership truly stood out,” said VSP Vision Chief Provider and Industry Solutions Officer Michelle Skinner. “The Premier Edge Student Business Challenge is just one more way we’re showing up for the next generation of doctors. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into practice, VSP is here to support you every step of the way.”
Runners-up Harleen Dhaliwal (Midwestern University, Chicago College of Optometry, class of 2027) and Daniel Spears (Southern College of Optometry, class of 2027) were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship and travel grants to the SOLN conference.
“I aspire to build Pratt Optometry to encompass an inviting and unique feel to eye care that fosters patient care while giving back to the community,” said Pratt in her submission.
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To date, VSP Vision has provided more than $4 million in scholarship support to nearly 1,200 optometry students. As VSP marks 70 years, it has committed to awarding 70 scholarships in 2025 as part of its continued investment in private practice. To learn more, visit https://www.vspproviderhub.com/scholarships.html
