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By: Stacey Walters | August 24, 2026
VSP Vision™, in partnership with the University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), has named Lindsay Cox of London, Kentucky as the recipient of the 2026 Vision of Hope Scholarship.
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an incoming KYCO student who demonstrates a commitment to practicing optometry in the Appalachian region and providing care to underserved patient populations.
Cox emphasized the scholarship is especially meaningful because it reflects her commitment to giving back to the Appalachian region and the community that shaped her.
“Receiving this honorable award means the world to me,” said Cox. “This scholarship is not only an incredible financial opportunity, but it is a chance to represent the wonderful region of Southeast Kentucky. I am very excited to embody my home of Appalachia as I start my optometry journey.”
Through the Vision of Hope Scholarship, VSP Vision and KYCO seek to support future optometrists who are passionate about expanding access to high-quality vision care throughout Appalachia.
“We believe every community deserves access to high quality eye care, including remote and rural communities,” said Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider Solutions Officer at VSP Vision. “Lindsay’s commitment to serving Appalachia embodies the purpose of the Vision of Hope Scholarship and we are proud to support her journey as she works to improve access to care for patients and communities throughout the region.”
KYCO Dean Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE, highlighted the importance of the college’s longstanding relationship with VSP Vision and the scholarship’s role in supporting KYCO students.
“Our longstanding partnership with VSP Vision continues to create meaningful opportunities for our students and strengthen our shared commitment to the future of optometric care,” said Reeder. “The Vision of Hope Scholarship is especially meaningful because it recognizes the hard work and promise of our students while helping them move one step closer to becoming compassionate, highly-skilled optometrists who will make a difference in the lives of their patients and communities.”
Since its establishment, the Vision of Hope Scholarship has helped support aspiring optometrists who intend to use their education to address health care needs in rural and underserved areas.
To date, VSP Vision has provided more than $4.3 million in scholarship support to nearly 1,300 optometry students. To learn more about VSP Vision scholarship opportunities, visit vspproviderhub.com/scholarships.
About VSP Vision
At VSP Vision™, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For 70 years, VSP® has been a leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses across vision benefits, eye care services, eyewear solutions, and practice solutions, work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for millions of members through a network of more than 44,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Eyes of Hope®. To date, more than 4.5 million people in need have received access to no-cost eye care and eyewear through one of our Eyes of Hope programs. Learn more about how we’re reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspvision.com.