My Role as VSP Ambassador

I’ve always had a fascination with the eyes in small part due to my own (lazy) eye surgery when I was nine. The life-changing transformation in my vision prompted me to pursue optometry after college and embark on a path to private practice ownership.

After serving in the military and then practicing in a commercial setting, I had a strong desire to be my own boss and control my future. I started working with a local optometrist who was retiring, and in 2002 bought the practice where I’ve been ever since. 

I've been a VSP provider since the get-go—I always felt that VSP supported private practice optometry; they were founded by doctors to support other eye care providers. And they've always been there, always been helpful. They've guided me through the process of submitting claims, providing essential medical eyecare for patients that may be on a plan that I don't participate in for medical purposes, and coordinating benefits, all of which helps us retain patients and attract new ones. They support the profession through seminars, events, and continuing education for ODs; scholarships for optometry students; volunteer opportunities; and programs like student loan repayment, which helps alleviate student debt while providing care in underserved areas.  

I decided to become a VSP Ambassador when I was president of the Virginia Optometric Association and was struck by the number of ODs across the state who weren’t maximizing the benefits of being a VSP provider. Many were unfamiliar with things like essential medical eyecare or coordination of benefits, and therefore weren’t utilizing them, so I thought it was important to pass along the tools that have contributed to my own practice’s success. As a VSP Ambassador, I act as a resource for doctors in my state of Virginia, answering questions about VSP and relaying doctors’ feedback and concerns. It’s a great way to stay connected with my peers and to support the long-term success of the profession.

You can learn more about the VSP Ambassador program by watching my video. And, if you’re ever in Virginia, feel free to reach out to me or find your local VSP Ambassador here.