Classroom to Clinic—Resources for Your Career Success.
Issue: June 2026
Continuing our focus on the future of eye care and the unique role you can play in it, here’s a collection of new articles that explore how current technology is shaping that future. The good news: it’s likely that you have already been exposed to that technology through your recent optometry studies. That’s what gives you an edge as you position yourself for your own future as a practicing professional. The future—and your future—is here!
At the outset, emerging OD Dr. Kha Duong fixed his future focus on private practice. Within two years of graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2023, he found himself with a potentially overwhelming opportunity: taking over the practice of a retiring 20-year doctor. The owner of the practice saw a fire in Kha and an unwavering commitment to delivering the best care to his loyal patients. Despite Kha’s youth, the practice owner saw fit to “hand over the keys” to Kha.
“From the beginning, I knew private practice was my path,” Dr. Duong shares. “While many early-stage ODs hesitate, I leaned in—joining the Private Practice Club in my first year of optometry school, eventually becoming president, and serving on the executive board of the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN).”
“VSP played a key role in that journey,” Dr. Duong continues, “offering financial support and student-focused resources that helped us host events, attend conferences, and connect with private practice owners nationwide. Those experiences gave me the confidence to leap into ownership soon after earning my degree.”
And that’s just a part of Dr. Duong’s story. Click the link below to learn how he leveraged VSP’s Future Leader’s Academy to help him reach and surpass his private practice goals.
Click to read Dr. Duong’s blog post.
VSP’s Global Innovation Center (GIC) offers a valuable look at AI’s potential to enhance human insight—not replace it. In vision care, that promise is especially relevant as AI helps doctors use data, imaging, and analysis to better understand both eye health and whole-body health.
Through oculomics—the use of eye data to reveal insights about broader health—AI can act as a practical partner to doctors, supporting deeper analysis and more complete diagnosis and treatment options for consideration. The good news is that the stage is already set for exactly this.
As an optometry student, recent graduate, or new OD, you’ve likely already encountered these concepts. Gaining confidence with AI today can help you enhance patient care, improve practice efficiency, and stay at the forefront of innovation in eye care.
Generative AI refers to deep-learning models that can generate high-quality content based on inquisitive prompts. To get the best answers to the questions you’ll ask, you need to become skilled in crafting the best prompts. Here’s a quick list of three best-method approaches.
Perfect Your Prompts: Use trusted frameworks, such as R.A.C.E. to master your prompts.
Start Small, Build Daily: Get acclimated to AI use with simple tasks first. Consider starting with email drafting or research summaries.
Verify Before Trusting: Always cross-check answers. Thoroughly review AI outputs before sharing. The best AI users maintain a healthy skepticism.
*Source: Medium, "Mastering LLM Prompting: the RACE Framework for Actually Getting What You Want"
Practices can leverage AI today to improve operational efficiency, scale marketing efforts, and expand the scope of care. Gaining confidence with AI today can help you enhance patient care, improve practice efficiency, and stay at the forefront of innovation in eye care. AI does not replace your clinical judgment—it supports it.
Discover more innovations from the VSP GIC
PECAA (Professional Eye Care Associates of America) and the GIC present this timely opportunity to put you in the lead in AI application to eye care. You can register for and access this free six-course program as a PECAA Propel member.
Learn more about PECAA Propel | Register Now
PECAA’s A/Eye Certification course is designed with eye care doctors and their teams in mind, demonstrating how they can take charge in applying AI concepts and skills on their own terms. This information will be valuable for established doctors, new ODs, and even students who want to be prepared for AI integration when they begin their professional career.
This 6-session, COPE-accredited program provides the foundational knowledge and skills to employ AI as a practical tool across an eye care practice. The courses bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology fundamentals and how those are best applied to the daily activities of running an independent practice. Through a combination of expert lectures, group discussions, and virtual hands-on training, participants will exit with confidence in how to get the most from common AI tools.
The virtual courses begin on July 9, 2026, and occur over the following five weeks – six sessions in all. Click the link below to learn more and lean into the power of AI in eye care.
Learn more and get registered
Sarah Huh, winner of the 2026 Dr. Craig Hisaka Memorial Scholarship Award
In honor of the late Dr. Craig Hisaka, a $2,500 scholarship has been awarded to Sarah Huh of UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science (UCB).
This annual scholarship is offered to second- or third-year UCB students who have participated in the VSP Business Management Immersion Program, which provides a small group of optometry students with hands-on experience in a private practice setting over two days. From that experience, and with the support of this scholarship, students like Sarah Huh can take decisive steps toward their future in a private practice setting.
Dr. Hisaka was a strong advocate of private practice and enjoyed mentoring optometry students to help them achieve their goals of becoming practice owners.
Winner selection for this memorial scholarship is based on a reflective essay outlining the student’s experience and key learnings. Sarah (class of 2028) was selected as the 2026 recipient for her thoughtful and insightful reflections.
“I’ve always been interested in private practice, but the VSP Business Management Immersion Program completely transformed how I see my future in the field,” said Sarah. “The mentorship I gained was a turning point in my education, building both my confidence and my commitment to a career in optometry. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and investment in students like me.” To date, VSP Vision has invested more than $4 million in scholarships designed to support the future of optometry. These investments reflect VSP’s ongoing commitment to the long-term success of the profession.
Read the full Press Release | Learn more about VSP Scholarships
Find hot OD job opportunities in a variety of career settings, from private practice to corporate to medical hybrid settings and more. Find the career opportunity that suits you. Visit the VSP Careers Page today!
Retail Opportunities
Total Vision – Employed Full-Time Optometrist – Chula Vista, CA Exciting Optometrist opportunity in Chula Vista, CA! At Total Vision, join a thriving, patient-centered practice offering competitive pay, modern technology, and a collaborative team environment that supports full-scope care, with a focus on myopia management. Enjoy a great work-life balance in a vibrant Southern California community while making a meaningful impact on your patients’ eye health.
Learn More / Apply Now
Golden Vision – Employed Full-Time Optometrist – Cupertino, CA Golden Vision in Cupertino, CA, is hiring an Optometrist! Join a high-performing, patient-focused team offering competitive compensation (including bonuses and incentives), advanced technology, and a supportive environment that lets you practice full-scope care. Enjoy a balanced schedule in one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable communities while making a meaningful impact on patients’ vision and eye health.
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Optical Outlets
Full-Time Optometrist-Employed Bradenton, FL Eye Doctor’s Optical Outlets, a VSP Vision company, has supported the eye health of Central Florida communities for more than 35 years. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and quality eyewear at an affordable price. Enjoy a fun, inclusive work environment while helping patients bring their best vision to life.
Visionworks Opportunities
Visionworks – Employed Full-Time Optometrist – Amsterdam, NY >> Up to $40,000 in incentives* << We’re seeking Optometrists with an entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to patient care who strongly desire to help grow the business long-term. Candidates should have excellent clinical and people skills. Must be committed to providing patients with the highest level of care and a wide range of services to ensure optimal eye health and vision for a lifetime.
Visionworks – Employed Full-Time Optometrist Chambersburg, PA >> Up to $50,000 in incentives* << If you are an outstanding Optometrist, whose primary goal is to provide excellent patient care, we are interested in talking to you! Visionworks is seeking an ambitious and passionate Optometrist who would love a fresh start with a fast-growing company dedicated to helping patients see great, feel great and look great. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, this opportunity can take your career to the next level.
Visionworks – Employed Full-Time Optometrist – Annapolis, MD >> Up to $50k in Total Incentive << Here’s an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated team as an Optometrist at our Visionworks location in Annapolis, MD. Annapolis is renowned as "America's Sailing Capital," offering a truly unique and vibrant setting for both work and life. Not only does the city host the prestigious United States Naval Academy, but it also boasts a lively community that creates an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond the chance to work in such a distinguished and dynamic locale, we are offering up to $50k in total incentives, making this position even more enticing!
Incentives include:
Visionworks – Professional Corporation Full-time Optometrist – Augusta, GA | GA Doctors of Optometry GA Doctors of Optometry is growing and excited to welcome passionate ODs to their expanding team! This doctor-owned practice offers an environment where patient care truly comes first – without sacrificing work/life balance. We offer competitive compensation, flexible schedules and real work/life balance, comprehensive benefits, manageable patient flow and a supportive doctor-owned culture. 15K retention bonus!!
Learn More / Apply now
Visionworks – Sublease Optometrist Independent Practice Opportunity – League City, TX This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurial Optometrists seeking full-time clinical autonomy and practice ownership. Visionworks’ Sublease Program offers the freedom to build your own practice while benefiting from strong brand awareness, established patient flow, and operational support in a vibrant Gulf Coast community.
Corporate Opportunities
Optometrist (Monte Vista Optometry)- Employed FullTime Turlock, CA, US >> 10K Sign-on Bonus and Relocation Assistance << Monte Vista Optometry’s mission is to enhance the health of our community through service, compassion, and expertise. As a well-respected business in Turlock, CA, and serving multiple generations of families, this thriving practice continues to grow. A long-term opportunity is immediately available for a full-time Optometrist. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a skilled team of professionals in a rewarding environment, making it ideal for both recent graduates and those seeking to transition into a new role. With significant potential for growth, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in the community!
Private Practice Opportunities
Cole Family Eye Care Optometry Full-Time Optometrist – Eureka, CA Cole Family Eye Care Optometry is a family-owned, community-focused practice recognized for its strong medical orientation and dedication to exceptional patient care. The practice is seeking a Doctor of Optometry to join the team, ideally someone who has completed a medical optometry residency. However, Cole Family Eye Care Optometry is also committed to supporting recent graduates through comprehensive on-the-job training. The practice offers an ideal environment for making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives, while fostering professional growth within a collaborative and supportive setting.
Onsite Clinics
Full-Time Optometrist- Employed Newport News, VA This exciting contract opportunity enables you to serve a large member base for one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the United States. You’ll have the opportunity to provide comprehensive vision exam services to employees and dependents in a modern, health and vision center equipped with state-of-the-art automated optical equipment and behind-the-scenes functional technology—plus you'll have access to optical supplies and a highly-trained support staff.
Learn More / Apply Now ________________________________________
Medical Opportunities
Aran Eye Associates - Employed Clinical Optometrist – Miami, FL Join a growing medical/surgical practice dedicated to preserving and improving vision. Aran Eye Associates is seeking a medically trained Optometrist committed to comprehensive patient care and long-term professional growth in a rewarding clinical environment.
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