VSP Vision Future Leaders Academy

Applications now open for the 2026 cohort! Unleash your potential with leadership training and professional development.

VSP Vision Future Leaders Academy

Applications now open for the 2026 cohort! Unleash your potential with leadership training and professional development.

The VSP Vision™ Future Leaders Academy gives emerging doctors of optometry a competitive advantage to elevate their optometric careers.

If you’re accepted into this competitive program, you’ll have exclusive access to professional development resources, such as:

In-person and virtual education on a range of topics that include leadership development, communication skills, business and financial acumen, and helpful insights into the optometric profession
One-on-one mentorship opportunities with established, senior-level optometrists
Small group leadership lab discussions
Networking events to help you grow your professional network

Along with your clinical expertise, you’ll develop the valuable leadership skills needed to advance your career and establish strong relationships within the optometric industry.

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. 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. 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.

Kha Duong, OD
Melbourne Eye, Melbourne, FL
VSP Future Leaders Academy class of 2025

2026 Program Details

Eligibility: Recent graduates and early-career (first 7 years) optometrists are encouraged to apply.
Program Length: March 2026 – November 2026
Cost: The program is free for all participants. VSP^® will cover all travel costs (e.g., airfare, hotel, and meals) associated with the in-person networking events and training programs.
Number of participants: For 2026, VSP will accept 25 participants for the program.
Selection criteria: Program participants will be selected for their dedication to optometry and their commitment to be leaders in the profession. They’ll also be selected based on their past or potential leadership involvement. Applicants will participate in an interview with the program team during the selection process.
Network requirements: This program is available for ODs within various VSP network and non-network locations, including private practice, retail, corporate, medical, and onsite clinics.
Application deadline: December 5, 2025

Note: All accepted program participants are required to attend the in-person launch event March 19-21, 2026, and the in-person graduation closing ceremony November 12-14, 2026.

Additional questions? Please see Future Leaders Academy FAQs here.

Apply Now

The VSP Future Leaders Academy Class of 2025 cohort kicked off their leadership training, networking, and mentorship program in March 2025 at Marchon Headquarters in New York City.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Leaders Academy cohort. Please fill out the application below in its entirety by December 5, 2026.

All fields are required unless noted.

Name

Phone

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Gender (optional)

Race (optional)

Optometry school

Graduation Year

Current employer

Title/position

Work location

Current practice modality (private practice, retail, academia/research, hospital, military, other) 

Are you currently a practice owner?

Yes No

Are you a current member of your State Optometric Association?

Yes No

Have you previously served, or do you currently serve on a State Optometric Association board?

Yes No

Do you have any other previous leadership experience? Include any student leadership experience.

How do you envision the Future Leaders Academy contributing to your personal and professional development? What are your long-term career and leadership aspirations and how do you plan to use the network, skills, and knowledge gained from the program to pursue them?

(500-word limit)

Do you want to be matched with an OD mentor during the program?

Yes No

What qualities would you value in a mentor, such as mentor’s primary location, years of experience, specialty, preferred work style, and other qualities or attributes?

(Please enter potential mentor attributes)

Please provide one professional reference (name, relationship, email, and contact number).

How did you hear about the Future Leaders Academy?

SUBMIT