VSP Vision has named 5 optometry students as recipients of the 2026 Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award, presented in partnership with the National Optometric Association (NOA).

The students are: Victoria Robinson, University of Houston College of Optometry (Class of 2029); Nazin Ghaffarizadeh, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Class of 2028); Monica Thu Do, University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry (Class of 2027); Haley Hill, OD, Indiana University School of Optometry (Class of 2026); and Olivia Wynn, OD, New England College of Optometry (Class of 2026).

The awards were announced during the NOA Annual Convention in St. Louis.

The Dr. Marvin R. Poston Leadership Award is one of more than 70 scholarships VSP Vision offers each year. Named in honor of Dr. Marvin R. Poston—the first Black optometrist on the West Coast and a cofounder of VSP Vision—the scholarship recognizes optometry students who demonstrate leadership, community service, and an interest in pursuing careers in private practice to help address gaps in eye care in underserved communities. Each recipient receives a $4,000 scholarship.

"Dr. Poston understood the importance of providing care and serving his community to deliver lasting change," said Marvin Davenport, chief inclusion officer at VSP Vision. "This year's award recipients reflect his example and are another proof point that the future of optometry is bright. We congratulate these 5 outstanding students and are proud to continue doubling down on our support of and investment in the next generation of optometric leaders."

VSP Vision said it has provided more than $4.3 million in scholarships to nearly 1,300 optometry students to date.

As part of the 2026 NOA convention, VSP Vision and the NOA also hosted a VSP Eyes of Hope mobile clinic where they provided free eye exams and prescription eyewear to St. Louis residents in need.