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By: Amy Charles | September 5, 2025
VSP Vision™, in partnership with the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), announced Sydnee Lowe of Pikeville, Ky., as the winner of the $5,000 Vision of Hope scholarship.
“Receiving this scholarship really reflects the support of this amazing community. I’m from Pikeville, so it’s such an honor to represent my hometown through this,” said Lowe. “I know it’s going to help me grow as an optometrist and allow me to serve the people here in the future.”
Each year, this scholarship is awarded to an incoming optometry student at KYCO at the University of Pikeville who is committed to practicing in the Appalachian region to provide care to underserved patient populations.
“We’re proud to support Sydnee and the next generation of optometrists through opportunities like this scholarship—helping future ODs grow, serve their communities, and thrive in private practice,” said Michelle Skinner, Chief Provider & Industry Solutions Officer. It’s one of the many ways VSP Vision is doubling down on the future of the profession.”
“We at KYCO are so appreciative of our longstanding partnership with Vision Service Plan and their commitment to supporting our students and their desire to serve the underserved here in Appalachia,” said Dean of KYCO Renee Reeder, O.D., FAAO, FBCLA, FSLS, FIACLE. “We’re also really excited about this year’s recipient, Sydnee Lowe—what she represents, the character she shows and the way she’ll continue to give back to this community in the future.”
To date, VSP Vision™ has provided more than $4 million in scholarship support to nearly 1,200 optometry students. As VSP marks 70 years, it has committed to awarding 70 scholarships in 2025 as part of its continued investment in private practice. To learn more, visit https://www.vspproviderhub.com/scholarships.html.
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 the leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people who 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 more than 85 million members through a network of more than 42,000 doctors. It also means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster through VSP Vision™ Eyes of Hope®. To date, more than 4.3 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.