Career Exploration Resources
Tools for Empowering Future Eye Care Professionals
With a shared commitment to advancing the optical industry, The Vision Council Foundation and EyeMed Vision Care have joined forces to spotlight career pathways, support emerging talent, and explore new possibilities for the future of the vision care workforce.
Through a forward-thinking webinar examining the challenges and opportunities facing eye care careers today, and educational resources that introduce children to optical careers, these tools are intended to inspire and prepare the next generation of optical professionals.
Fueling the Future: The Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals
Webinar Now Available On Demand, Developed in Partnership with EyeMed
As the demand for eye care services continues to grow, the optical industry faces a critical opportunity and responsibility to build and support a sustainable, skilled workforce. In this on-demand webinar, leading voices from across the industry explore workforce trends, talent development strategies, and the pathways that can inspire and prepare the next generation of optical professionals.
What You’ll Learn
- Key data and employment trends across optometry, opticianry, and support roles
- Challenges and barriers facing new entrants to the field
- Opportunities to build more inclusive and accessible talent pipelines
- Real-world insights from eye care providers and educators
- How managed vision care and industry leaders can support long-term workforce sustainability
Opening Your Eyes Scholarship
For Students Pursuing Careers in Opticianry
The Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial assistance and career opportunities to students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the optical industry as a Licensed Optician.
The Vision Council Foundation provides $6,000 scholarships and reimbursement of funds for certification and state exam fees to students pursuing an associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing at a number of accredited opticianry schools.
Inspiring Young Minds: Optical Career Exploration for Kids
EyeMed Vision Care and The Vision Council Foundation have developed engaging resources designed to introduce grade school students to the people, tools, and science behind healthy vision.
The Vision Curriculum Kits are a valuable free resource for both educators and eye care professionals to distribute to students and patients.
The “Common Vision Conditions” Curriculum Kit is available now for order at eyemedvisionkits.com. Additional kits to be released later this year.
Educators are encouraged to order free small batch quantities for their classrooms, and eye care professionals are encouraged to obtain copies for their practice waiting rooms.
Additional Resources
Association of Schools and College of Optometry (ASCO)
Learn what steps to take to become an optometrist with resources from ASCO.
The ASCO Eye Opener Sessions is a mentor matchmaking program designed to connect students interested in optometry with practicing eye doctors. Learn more here.
Vision Source NEXT
Vision Source NEXT is a network of over 3,000 locally owned optometry practices across the U.S. The network provides resources for practice and career growth, professional develop and practice buying/selling. The site helps optometrists find job opportunities, purchases practices, and access valuable business insights. Learn more or apply to join by visiting their website.