VSP Future Leaders Academy Celebrates First Graduating Class

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - Today, VSP Vision^™ celebrates the inaugural graduating cohort of the VSP Future Leaders Academy^™, a nine-month professional development program designed to equip early-career optometrists with the tools, training, and connections to thrive as leaders in the optometric profession.

Following the completion and presentation of a capstone project, the group of 30 graduates were celebrated at VSP Vision headquarters in Rancho Cordova, California, on November 15.

“During this inaugural year, we have been inspired by the passion, commitment, and growth these doctors have demonstrated throughout their leadership journey,” said VSP Vision Chief Provider and Industry Solutions Officer Michelle Skinner. “The Future Leaders Academy is one of the many ways VSP Vision is doubling down on supporting and investing in the future of the optometric profession.”

Graduates participated in a variety of exclusive virtual and in-person sessions, such as:
•    Educational seminars focusing on leadership development, communication skills, business and financial acumen, and insights into the optometric profession
•    One-on-one mentorship opportunities with established, senior-level optometrists
•    Small group leadership lab discussions
•    Networking events to expand professional connections 

“I’m incredibly grateful to VSP for creating the Future Leaders Academy. The amount we’ve learned – from staffing and hiring to micro and macroeconomics, and even how to assess practice operations – has been invaluable,” said Future Leaders Academy graduate, Kha Duong, OD, Melbourne Eye in Melbourne, Florida.

The VSP Future Leaders Academy is currently accepting applications for 2026 until Friday, December 5. 

“Whether you’re a private practice owner or a doctor wanting to better understand your workplace, the Future Leaders Academy is the way to go,” continued Duong. “For students just starting out and feeling a bit lost like I was, this program offers direction, mentorship, and a community of ambitious, like-minded individuals eager to grow. Thanks to the academy, I’ve gained not only knowledge, but also lasting connections with doctors across the country. It’s truly been a transformative experience.”

The VSP Future Leaders Academy is another example of the organization’s ongoing support of the profession. As part of that support, VSP Vision has invested $10 million into the VSP Vision Student Loan Repayment program to help alleviate the significant financial pressures doctors and optometry students face, while also addressing eye care access gaps in underserved communities. In addition, VSP Vision has awarded $4 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 optometry students. 

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About VSP Vision 
At VSP Vision^™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 42,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope^®. To date, more than 4.3 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we’re reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.