Classroom to Clinic—Resources for Your Career Success.
Issue: September 2026
Get ready to take action as you move ahead in your career journey and put your Future in Focus. To that end, this issue of Career Connections starts with news of a unique virtual event coming your way soon where you can discover exciting opportunities for your career journey. Next, you’ll find additional articles here that reveal how others have found new ways to pursue their career goals—and how you can, too!
VSP® Careers in Eye Care invites you to discover new clinical career opportunities, gain insights from practicing optometrists, and explore what could be next for your professional journey in eye care. Designed for practicing ODs, recent graduates, and optometry students, the event lets you explore emerging clinical career options, ask questions in an interactive setting, and get valuable insights and candid advice from ODs who have been in your shoes. There’s so much in store that you won’t want to miss, and because it’s virtual, you can attend from anywhere.
Here’s what’s in store when you attend Future in Focus:
And there’s more, including an optional CE session and prize drawings*. Ready to learn more and register to attend? There’s no cost to you and plenty to gain. Learn More | Register Now for Future in Focus, October 15, 2026, 3 – 5 p.m. PT | 6 – 8 ET * Maximum prize value per person is $500.
Working alongside his parents, who established Hoffman Optometry in Folsom, CA, Dr. Steven Hoffman shares his passion for pediatric patients and the impact of healthy vision on a child's ability to learn and thrive. This became his pathway into optometry and the professional future he envisioned for himself. Dr. Hoffman finds pediatric exams to be particularly unique. “Kids might not say that things are blurry [and, consequently] they might seem like slow readers or learners. That’s why these exams require creativity and a more objective approach.”
Dr. Hoffman says he enjoys the variability this brings to his treatment for children in contrast to providing eye care services for adults. “It’s not just about asking, ‘Is it better with lens one or lens two?’ It’s about making the experience fun and engaging. I don’t have to be super serious—I can be a little goofy, and that helps build trust with the kids.” Read Dr. Hoffman’s complete blog post
Everyone deserves to see their world clearly, protect their overall health, and experience all that is possible for them, yet not everyone has access to the care they need to see their best. VSP® Eyes of Hope® regularly partners with eye doctors, local schools, and non-profit organizations to bring fully outfitted mobile clinics to communities in need, providing no-cost eye exams and prescription glasses. And it’s not just established doctors who help; the program actively receives the support of optometry students like you.
In July, VSP® Eyes of Hope® partnered with the National Optometric Association (NOA) on Serve Where You Go, the one-day vision care outreach event that has kicked off their annual convention since 2011. The July 9 event served nearly 100 community members who received access to essential no-cost vision care. Serve Where You Go was made possible thanks to Missouri-licensed NOA member doctors and University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry faculty and students who volunteered to provide eye exams. In total, 13 optometrists and four optometry students supported free vision care at the event. Learn more about Eyes of Hope
This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. Poston, the first Black optometrist on the West Coast and a co-founder of VSP Vision. Recipients are recognized for their leadership, service, and commitment to expanding access to eye care, with one student selected from each class year.
We’re proud to announce and celebrate this year’s deserving winners:
To date, VSP Vision has invested more than $4.3 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
Don’t forget: The Academy 2026 event is coming to Anaheim, CA, September 30 – October 3, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Learn about the tremendous amount of activity, education, and networking opportunities in store. Plus, discover the wide variety of student-specific events and programs. Learn more and make your plans to attend.
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, Riverside, CA Total Vision is seeking a patient-focused Optometrist to join its collaborative team in Riverside, California. Enjoy a supportive environment that allows you to practice full-scope optometry with an emphasis on low vision care, supported by advanced diagnostic technology and a strong commitment to patient outcomes. With competitive compensation, a $10,000 signing bonus, and a weekday schedule with no weekends, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Learn More / Apply Now
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Optical Outlets
Optical Outlets - Employed Full-Time/Part-Time/Floating Optometrist Tampa, FL Eye Doctor's Optical Outlets, a VSP Vision company, is looking for Optometrists to join its growing team across Tampa-area locations. For more than 35 years, the practice has provided affordable, high-quality eye care and eyewear while fostering a fun, inclusive workplace culture. Whether you're seeking a full-time, part-time, or floating opportunity, you'll enjoy a supportive environment focused on helping patients see their best. Learn More / Apply Now
Visionworks Opportunities
Visionworks - Employed Full-Time Optometrist, Frederick, MD Visionworks is seeking a talented Optometrist to join its thriving practice in Frederick, Maryland. This opportunity offers access to advanced diagnostic technology, dedicated clinical support staff, and a collaborative environment focused on delivering exceptional patient care. Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to build your career in a growing community rich in culture, innovation, and history.
Visionworks - Employed Full-Time Optometrist, Ithica, NY >> Up to $50,000 in incentives* << Visionworks is seeking an Optometrist who is passionate about patient care and professional growth. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or a recent graduate, you'll join a fast-growing organization committed to helping patients see, feel, and look their best. With up to $50,000 in incentives and a supportive practice environment, this is an excellent opportunity to take your career to the next level.
Visionworks - Employed Albuquerque, NM - Pavilions at San Mateo Location >> Up to $60,000 in incentives* << Visionworks is seeking an outstanding Optometrist to join its growing Albuquerque practice. Supported by experienced clinical staff, advanced technology, and a culture of collaboration, you'll provide comprehensive eye care while helping shape the future growth of the practice. This opportunity is ideal for doctors who combine an entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering exceptional patient care.
Visionworks - Employed Full-time Optometrist, Albuquerque, NM - Cottonwood Mall Location >> Up to $60,000 in incentives* << Join a thriving Visionworks practice where you'll have the opportunity to provide exceptional patient care while building a rewarding career. Supported by advanced diagnostic technology, dedicated OD technicians, and a collaborative care environment, you'll have the tools needed to help patients achieve lifelong vision health. This role is ideal for Optometrists who are passionate about making a difference and growing with an innovative organization.
Learn More / Apply now Full-time Optometrist, Owensboro, KY KY Doctors of Optometry >> 15K Sign-On Bonus for Full Time OD << KY Doctors of Optometry is seeking an Optometrist to join its well-established, doctor-owned practice in Owensboro, Kentucky. With a loyal patient base, collaborative culture, and commitment to quality care, the practice offers an environment where doctors can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact. Competitive compensation, benefits, bonus opportunities, and a $15,000 sign-on bonus make this an outstanding opportunity.
Learn More / Apply now
Visionworks — Sublease Optometrist Independent Practice Opportunity Weslaco, TX Visionworks is seeking an entrepreneurial Optometrist interested in building and growing an independent practice. Through the Visionworks Sublease Program, you'll enjoy the freedom of practice ownership and full clinical autonomy while benefiting from strong brand recognition, established patient traffic, and ongoing operational support. This opportunity is ideal for doctors looking to combine independence with the advantages of an established retail presence.
Private Practice Opportunities
Douglas R. Myers Full-Time Optometrist Chico, CA Douglas R. Myers, O.D., Inc. has served the Butte County community for more than 40 years with a commitment to exceptional patient care and clinical excellence. Join a respected, established practice that values compassionate service, strong patient relationships, and comprehensive eye care. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a team dedicated to helping patients achieve their best vision and long-term eye health.
Onsite Clinics
Onsite Clinic Full- Time Associate Optometrist Newport News, VA This onsite clinic opportunity is ideal for a Virginia-licensed Optometrist who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care in an innovative clinical setting. You'll collaborate with a talented healthcare team while enjoying a flexible work schedule that supports work-life balance. If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity focused on patient outcomes and professional growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Learn More / Apply Now ________________________________________
Medical Opportunities
Aran Eye Associates Full- Time Clinical Optometrist Miami-Dade and Broward County, FL >> Sign-on Bonus and Relocation Assistance << Aran Eye Associates is seeking a medically focused Optometrist to join its growing medical and surgical eye care practice. This opportunity offers the chance to work alongside an experienced team dedicated to preserving and improving vision through comprehensive patient care. Enjoy a Monday through Friday schedule, competitive compensation, productivity incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for long-term professional growth in a collaborative clinical environment.
Career Support Resources
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