Loan Repayment Programs
Unique loan repayment programs offer students a supportive route to fund their education while gaining valuable professional experience. Through arrangements with industry partners and private practices across the country, some external programs provide financial support—such as student loan repayment—in exchange for a commitment to work with the sponsoring organization after graduation. This option helps reduce the financial burden of optometry school while fostering strong connections between students and future employers, setting the stage for a successful and purpose-driven career in optometry.
You will also note opportunities via the federal government with the Navy, the VA, and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program where certain loans may be forgiven in exchange for working in a community health center or similar public healthcare facility.
Employer Loan Repayment Programs
These external, non-NECO affiliated programs are offered by employers who want to invest in your potential by helping you repay your student loans. Many of these programs are designed for second, third, and fourth-year students only. Please contact the program directly for more information.
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myeyedr. Pathways Program Qualified and selected students will not only receive a job offer upon graduation, but they’ll also benefit from MyEyeDr. repaying up to $129,933.00 of their student loan(s) over the first three years of employment. https://www.clasp.com/myeyedr-student |
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Warby Parker Qualified and selected students will receive a job offer upon graduation and benefit from Warby Parker repaying up to $120,000 of their student loan(s) over the first three years of employment. https://www.clasp.com/warbyparker |
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EssilorLuxottica | Eye Care Financial Freedom Employer Sponsored Loan Program Students within two years of graduation are eligible to apply. Successful applicants are eligible for $50k of loan reimbursement payment for each 18 months worked with an EssilorLuxottica/LensCrafters practice after graduation and the option to choose up to 36 months for $100k is also available. For the current OD4 class, we are also highlighting a special option to earn up to $150,000 in select areas (such as CT, PA). https://www.clasp.com/elec |
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The EyeRise – ECP Student Loan Support Program Selected students will receive a job offer pending graduation and licensure—and up to $45,000 to $100,000 in student loan repayment benefits over three to four years of employment. Offer dependent on work location. • Tier 1 – Up to $100k for 4-year commitment • Tier 2 – Up to $75k for 4-year commitment • Tier 3 – Up to $45k for 3-year commitment https://www.clasp.com/ecp |
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VSP Student Loan Repayment This program will provide selected ODs with up to $200,000 in debt relief if they commit to working in a VSP-owned location or private practice. If selected, program funds will be paid directly to a reputable student loan servicer. All applicants must be willing to relocate for up to four years to practice in an underserved or high-need community. The list of eligible communities across the country has expanded and can be discussed with program recruiters during selection. https://www.vspproviderhub.com/loan-repayment.html |
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Vision Source Next: Associate OD Placement Program Vision Source is pleased to announce the Associate OD Placement Program powered by Vision Source Next. This program is designed to place qualified associate doctors into established private, independent Vision Source practices across the US. Understanding the impact of student loan debt on practicing optometrists, Vision Source is committed to supporting the profession by providing up to $150,000 in student loan debt relief to associate doctors who choose to join a participating Vision Source practice. If you interested in learning more and being considered for the program, please complete the online questionnaire in its entirety. Once submitted, we will provide you with more information about program and eligibility requirements. https://insight.visionsource.com/VSNext/Candidate-Questionnaire |
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FYIdoctors Scholars Program (Canadian students) Receive partial tuition reimbursement for your optometry education through a no-interest loan by way of a tax-free Bursary from FYihealth Group in the amount of $50,000 USD. Currently, only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this program. Upon graduation, launch your career as a licensed optometrist at one of our optometry clinics. Based on available doctor days and selection, you get to decide! Your FYidoctors network employer will forgive your loan over the course of your employment (three years). You only pay if you leave early. The commitment is to FYi, not a specific clinic. https://careers.fyidoctors.com/global/en/scholar-program-page |
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Specsavers (Canadian Students) We would love to share with you what an independent clinic within the Specsavers network has to offer, including forgivable loans as you get started and relocation support to ease your transition. Many opportunities are available within our network across Canada for doctors at every stage of their career. Fourth year students and new graduates eligible to work in Canada can qualify for up to a $100,000 CAD forgivable loan for a three-year commitment at select clinics. The repayment of the loan amounts is forgiven on completion of the third year practiced and is based on 5 clinic days with every other weekend off. You receive a high daily minimum or percentage of fees, whichever is higher. Additional clinic days are available and daily fees can vary by clinic—ask us about your options. Email for more information. |
Government and Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs
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Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans You can pick from repayment plans that base your monthly payment on your income or that give you a fixed monthly payment over a set repayment period. https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans |
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U.S. Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program The Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) provides an incentive for new accessions to enter the Navy through the payment of professional educational loans. If you are already in or plan to attend school to be an optometrist, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) will pay your educationally based tuition and fees for up to four years of school and provide a monthly stipend paid directly to you. In addition, all required books and equipment from professional schools are reimbursed by the Navy. The value of this program could be well over $300,000 during a four-year professional school program. After graduation, you’ll join the Navy’s active-duty team as a commissioned officer. In return, you agree to serve a minimum of two years on acEve-duty or year-for-year of scholarship, whichever is longer. https://www.med.navy.mil/Accessions/Health-Professions-Loan-Repayment-Program/ |
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Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) can help dedicated health professionals chart a course for a long-lasting and successful healthcare career. The LRP funds IHS clinicians to 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. Opportunities are based on Indian health program facilities with the greatest staffing needs in specific health profession disciplines. As an LRP participant, you can extend your contract annually until your qualified student debt is paid. Many health professionals enter this program because of the financial benefits but find the cultural and professional rewards so great that they spend their careers working in Indian health. https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/ |
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program With the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), you choose a healthcare career providing top-notch care to America’s veterans and be reimbursed for your education loan payments. One of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation, EDRP provides up to $40,000 a year—or $200,000 over 5 years—in loan repayment. Payments cover tuition and other educational and living expenses, including fees, books, supplies, equipment/materials, and laboratory costs. Best of all, these funds are tax-free and do not require a mandatory service agreement. If you choose to leave VHA before your 5 years are up, you don’t have to pay back any of the funds you’ve received. https://vacareers.va.gov/employment-benefits/education-support/ |
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) is available to anyone with federal Direct Loans who’s working in a public service profession. It allows borrowers to receive forgiveness in as little as ten years. You’ll need to make 120 student loan payments while working for a qualifying employer. To apply for the PSLF program, you’ll need to sign up for an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan. With IDR plans, your monthly payments are based on your monthly income and family size. Even if you don’t end up spending 10 years working in a public service profession, you’ll be eligible for IDR forgiveness after 20-25 years of payments. https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ |
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Division of Loan Repayment The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides several ways to get student loan repayment for doctors and other medical professionals, specifically five LRPs for those conducting research outside of NIH (extramural). To qualify for any of the NIH extramural programs, you’ll need to work for at least two years in one of the following areas: clinical research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds; pediatric research; health dispariees research; contraception and infertility research. Each year, the NIH awards $35,000 to pay toward your remaining student loans and reimburses you for any taxes you may owe because of the loan forgiveness. https://www.lrp.nih.gov |