Are you a recent optometry school graduate looking to pay back your student loans? Or a current student hoping to lighten the debt load for your future self?
As part of this year’s 2026 Graduation package, we’ve compiled a list* of federal, state and employer-specific loan repayment programs.
If you’re still in school, the financial aid office may be able to provide loan repayment opportunities and debt resources to help you navigate your financial future.
FEDERAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMS
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is available to borrowers who work in qualifying public service positions, including certain government and nonprofit organizations. Eligible borrowers may qualify for forgiveness after making 120 qualifying payments while meeting program requirements. Borrowers should monitor ongoing federal policy and repayment-plan updates that could affect eligibility and qualifying payments.
Learn more about the PSLF program.
The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program helps employees repay their eligible health profession education loans—up to $50,000—in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Learn more about the Indian Health Service program.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a number of scholarships, stipends and paid training for high-need healthcare careers.
See the full list of VA scholarship programs.
Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) options continue to evolve following court actions affecting the SAVE plan and other repayment programs. Borrowers should carefully review current repayment-plan eligibility and confirm whether their plan qualifies for forgiveness programs such as PSLF.
Find the latest court actions.
ODs NOT INCLUDED IN KEY PROGRAMS
Optometrists remain excluded from several student debt repayment programs administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). The American Optometric Association (AOA), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) continue advocating for the re-inclusion of optometry in federal workforce and loan repayment programs, noting that optometric care is primary care and plays an important role in improving access to healthcare in underserved communities. The groups also support expanding state workforce grants and restoring OD eligibility within NHSC programs.
Connect with the AOA on this issue.
STATE PROGRAMS
Some states also offer loan repayment programs, forgivable loans or scholarship opportunities to ODs who commit to working in the state for a period.*
Virginia continues to offer an Optometry Loan Grant Program through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Eligible Virginia residents enrolled full-time in approved optometry programs may receive grants of up to $5,000 per year in exchange for practicing full-time in Virginia after graduation. Recipients agree to work in Virginia for two years for each year of funding received.
The South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association continues to offer annual scholarships to optometry students from South Carolina pursuing careers in eyecare. The association reopened applications for its 2026 scholarship cycle this year.
Mississippi offers the SREB Regional Contract Forgivable Loan for Optometry through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. The program helps Mississippi residents attend approved out-of-state optometry schools and can be forgiven through full-time practice in Mississippi after graduation on the basis of one year’s service for one year of loan received, for up to four years.
Several additional states operate broader healthcare workforce repayment or rural-provider incentive programs that may occasionally include optometrists depending on funding priorities and workforce shortages. Graduates should check with their state optometric association, primary care office or state workforce agency for updated eligibility information.
ODs should contact their state optometric association, primary care office or health department directly to confirm current eligibility requirements and participating professions before applying.
EMPLOYER PROGRAMS
National Vision offers an OD Tuition Reimbursement Program to any current associate employed at full-time status for a minimum of one year with the company, or part-time working 20 or more hours a week for a minimum of two years. Associates can be reimbursed up to $5,000 annually for up to four years, for a total of $20,000.
Learn about National Vision’s OD Tuition Reimbursement Program.
MyEyeDr. provides a student loan repayment program for eligible optometrists. According to the company’s careers website, the program can contribute up to $1,000 per month toward student loans for up to three years, depending on graduation year.
Vision Source launched its Associate OD Placement Program in 2024. Participating Vision Source member practices may offer student loan repayment incentives for associate optometrists, with some opportunities reported up to $150,000 depending on the practice and employment agreement.
VSP Vision’s Student Loan Repayment Program is open to third- and fourth-year optometry students, recent graduates and practicing optometrists with student debt. The program offers selected ODs up to $200,000 in debt relief if they commit to working for up to four years in an underserved or high-need community through a VSP-affiliated practice or location.
Learn more through the VSP Vision Provider Hub.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
A number of financial awards are also available through the profession as a whole.
According to PERC Alliance, “The Golden Opportunity Award is a collaborative effort between The AOA Foundation and PERC Alliance celebrating the memory and impact of PERC co-founder, David Golden, OD, who passed away after a long-fought battle with cancer in 2021.
“Throughout his life, Dr. Golden was passionate about elevating those around him, helping others climb the ladder of success, and creating a more equitable world. The Golden Opportunity Award was created to ensure Dr. Golden’s uplifting legacy lives on by supporting those who are underrepresented within the optometric community.
“Annually, at Optometry’s Meeting in June, up to three deserving optometrists will be awarded $50,000 to help achieve their dream of owning their first independent practice.”
Learn more about the Golden Opportunity Award.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides annual award scholarships through its Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). The awards are open to students receiving education or training in a healthcare service in exchange for a two-year service obligation at a VA healthcare facility.
EssilorLuxottica offers its Financial Freedom Program to eligible second- and third-year optometry students. Qualified students will have the opportunity for their remaining tuition to be fully funded upfront through our partnership with Clasp, and repaid either directly by EssilorLuxottica or through arrangements with independent optometry practices that operate within its retail stores—and launch their careers at a LensCrafters location upon graduation.
Learn more about the Financial Freedom Program.
National Vision offers an annual Scholarship Program to third- and fourth-year optometry students in good standing who share their perspective on the yearly topic. Three scholarships are awarded, in various amounts.
Learn more about National Vision’s Scholarship Program.
VSP Vision’s Student Loan Repayment Program is open to third- and fourth-year optometry students, recent graduates and practicing optometrists with student debt. The program offers selected ODs up to $200,000 in debt relief if they commit to working for up to four years in an underserved or high-need community through a VSP-affiliated practice or location.
Learn more through the VSP Vision Provider Hub.
*Please note this list is not exhaustive; it may not include all specific loan repayment or debt services that apply to you.
View the full 2026 graduation package here.
