😎 Happy National Sunglasses Day – June 27 😎

Today’s the day to sport your favorite shades—the whole nation is doing it! And, yes, you look stunning today while you demonstrate to those around you a key principle of responsible eye care—protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Here's what else is stunning: this month’s OD scholarship spotlights, pro tips for your future advancement, free training, great giveaways, and hot jobs, too.

Sunglasses at the ready? Let’s go!

In This Issue:

Features:

Scholarship Spotlight: Investing in your bright future!

Pro Tips: "Social Savvy that Masterfully Markets YOU!”

Summer Semester: Sixty Minutes to Prep for a Practice

More to See:

Giveaways: Who won the suns? (High-fashion freebies for you.)

Career Events: Networking. Hiring. NOA Convention. Be there!

Hot Jobs: Hiring now. Signing incentives. Apply today!

Scholarship Spotlights:

VSP^® Premier Edge™ Student Business Scholarship

Winners Announced

More scholarships to celebrate, this time for Malia McDowell (Class of 2026, University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Optometry) and Nastasya Liem (Class of 2026 from UC Berkeley, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science). Both are winners of the 2024 VSP Premier Edge™ Student Business Challenge, sponsored by VSP Vision™, along with the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN) and the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME).

To apply for this $10,000 scholarship, students participating on their school’s Private Practice Club executive board had to submit a business plan that described their professional and personal plan to achieve private practice ownership. The two finalists presented their business plans at the 2024 SOLN Student Private Practice Leadership Conference on June 8. Typically, one winner is selected for this scholarship, but since both business plans were exemplary, the judges decided to award each student a $10,000 scholarship. Congratulations Malia and Tasya!

Dr. Craig Hisaka Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Alin Torosian

Join us in congratulating Alin Torosian, 2024 recipient of the Dr. Craig Hisaka Memorial Scholarship. VSP^® Ventures, in partnership with UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science, established this scholarship in honor of the work and legacy of Dr. Craig Hisaka, founder of Brookside Optometric Group and its Business Management Immersion Program (BMIP).

“I am honored to have been selected as the winner of the Dr. Craig Hisaka Memorial Scholarship,” said Alin, “and I look forward to using the funds to aid me on the journey of becoming an optometrist.”

Pro Tips:

"“Social Media Savvy to Masterfully Market YOU!”

by Joana Zoleta, VSP Senior Talent Aquisition Specialist

Here are six savvy steps to harness social media's ‘round-the-clock potential.

Start with career-angled platforms like Linkedin—they’re specifically designed for professional networking, making it easier to connect with potential employers and recruiters. Networking through social media, engaging with relevant content, and participating in

(cont'd.) online discussions can also help you expand professional connections and discover new job opportunities.
Follow company pages or join professional groups—you’ll gain valuable insights into job openings and get the inside track on industry trends.
Master the best keywords to maximize SEO results — “optometry candidate,” “graduate [year],” “intern,” “extern,” and “resident” are among the best. (Savvy Insider Tip: These are the same keywords we use as recruiters when we search within the talent pool for applicants.
Showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments on your profile. Add a banner on your profile photo with “Open to Work” status, making you immediately visible to hiring companies.
Make sure your social profile is visible, up-to-date, open to receiving messages, and has your contact email easy to find and use!
Use Google to help you find job boards for the sorts of positions you’re seeking. (Savvy Insider Tip #2: Here’s a hint for one of the best…it starts with the letter “I” and ends with a “D.” Indeed it does! 😉)

But if you really want to make it simple just click vspeyecarecareers.com and see hundreds of job listings in private practice, retail, corporate, medical, and onsite clinics, giving you added choice and flexibility to choose your own path.

Summer School:

Sixty Minutes to Prep for a Practice

We know it’s summertime, but if you’ve got just sixty minutes to spare, we’ve got just the courses to help you prepare for working at a practice—or even running your own!

Selected by Quy Nguyen, OD, these five quick-but-comprehensive Business Education Track videos, can prepare you for an associate position, an intern assignment, or even get you thinking about starting your own practice. There’s no cost and they’re available on demand—24/7, whenever you’ve got that hour to keep you moving ahead in your career journey.

Why not start now? (Extra Credit! The first 50 people to complete the five courses before August 30 get a $15 gift card** for a bit of summer fun. 😎)

Course 221X: How to Add Value as an Associate* (10 minutes)
Course 230x: Is Owning Your Own Practice Worth It?* (10 minutes)
Course 226x: Financial Aspects of Starting a Practice* (10 minutes)
Course 502GP: Making Memorable First Impressions (15 minutes)
Course 200G: Coaching Your Optometric Team (10 minutes)

Have a Login? Get Started! No Login? Sign up for Courses!

Giveaways:

Last Month's Marchon Free Frames winners:

Congratulations to Jonathan Kwok and Shaina Goel, winners of the Marchon Eyewear Free Frames giveaways from May.

That concludes our year long Marchon Eyewear suns promotion. Thank you to those now following @MarchonEyewear for the latest frame styles and brand news. Come back next month to learn about new promotions and giveaways.

Pictured, May winner Kendall Perkins, Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry, Class of 2024, in her new Marchon sunglasses.

Marchon Eyewear endeavors to leverage more sustainable materials in the production of our quality, premium eyewear whenever possible and available.

Learn more about Marchon Eyewear here.

Career Events:

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, meet VSP representatives, pick up some stylish swag, and see some dynamic presentations to support your careers at the National Optometric Association (NOA) Convention. These sessions are open to all National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) attendees!

National Optometric Association Convention 2024 – July 11-13, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Philadelphia, PA

NOSA Leadership Institute moderated by Ron Kemper and Stephanie Ganiban

Session 1: Friday, July 12, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST: “Unlocking Your Creativity: Crafting Dynamic Presentations” with Shauna Harrington, VSP HR Expert, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Session 2: Saturday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. EST: “Financial Empowerment for the White Coat” with Phernell Walker, VSP Vice President of Optical Relations, MBA, ABOM, LDO

NOSA Scholarship Ceremony

Friday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EST
Location: The Philadelphia Downtown Marriott Hotel, 5th Level Salon E
Come celebrate with your peers at the presentations of the Dr. Poston Leadership Awards and the Empowering Equity scholarship.

NOSA Social Mixer sponsored by VSP

Friday, July 12, 9:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. EST
Location: W Hotel – 1439 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attendees: NOSA students, NOA Board, & Eyes of Hope volunteers

Hot Jobs:

Featured Job Openings at VSP Careers in Eye Care listings

(see all job listings)

Find the right place to practice your passion, like Dr. Lindsey Marvel:

Optometrist FT – Citrus Heights, CA

Offering $10,000 Sign-On Bonus!

Are you a well-versed professional looking for a long-term private practice opportunity where you're empowered to leverage your expert skills? Seeking to grow in a rewarding environment with an unmatched benefits package and a $10k sign-on bonus? If you have a passion for delivering top-notch eye care services and you're looking for a lucrative opportunity in the beautiful Sacramento area, this might be the perfect place for you. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with rotating Saturdays.

Apply now / Learn more

Optometrist FT – First Impressions Optometric Associates / Visionworks^®,

Terre Haute, IN

This position is available for a $10,000 sign on bonus and eligible for VSP Student Loan Repayment!

We are a doctor-owned practice that provides caring and personalized eyecare to communities across the state of Indiana--doctors working for doctors! We are searching for an enthusiastic OD to join our practice. We offer competitive compensation, flexibility, and excellent benefits, all within a caring and supportive culture.

Apply now / Learn more

Optometrist FT – Heritage Valley Eye Care, Santa Paula, CA

As a long-standing business with two flourishing practice locations in Ventura County, Heritage Valley Eye Care has a long-term opportunity for the right Optometrist. If you’re a well-rounded professional looking to contribute to the success of a well-known practice, collaborate with other talented professionals, and have an internal desire to fuel practice growth, this is the opportunity for you!

Learn More / Apply Now

Traveling Optometrist – Eyes on Randolph & Eyes on Lincoln, Randolph, MA & Lincoln, RI

There is an excellent full-time opportunity for a traveling Optometrist at both Eyes on Lincoln in Lincoln, RI, and Eyes on Randolph in Randolph, MA. Both practices’ mission is to deliver excellent patient care through compassion and empathy while serving its communities with passion, integrity, and transparency. As well-established and respected businesses within the community, the practices continue to flourish, creating a long-term opportunity for the right Optometrist.

Apply now / Learn more

Optometrist PT or FT – Optical Outlets, FL

Join our dynamic team at Optical Outlets as an Optometrist and embark on a rewarding career providing exceptional eye care services. If you’re passionate about eye care excellence and eager to join a leading optical provider, apply now to become a part of our dedicated team!

Apply Now / Learn More

Clinical Optometrist FT – Aran Eye Associates, Miami-Dade County, FL

We're looking for an Optometrist excited to join forces with a highly regarded OD/MD practice group. The hours are Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we are closed on all major holidays. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate and expand your skillset with other Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. If you're dedicated to a career of helping individuals see their world clearly, and you're looking for a long-term opportunity where the possibilities are endless, Aran Eye Associates in South Florida is where you want to be.

Apply Now / Learn More

For a complete look at all available career opportunities, go to VSP Vision Careers in Eye Care.

*Course content developed in partnership with Premier Edge Career Support and the Association of Practice Management Educators (APME)

** View Summer School Business Education Track Promotion Terms and Conditions here.

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