VSP Vision has named Mason Martin, a first-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, as the winner of the 2026 Propel Student Business Challenge Scholarship, powered by PECAA.
The scholarship, presented by VSP Vision in collaboration with the Student Optometric Leadership Network (SOLN), recognizes optometry students with an interest in private practice ownership.
Winner and Runners-Up
Martin received a $10,000 scholarship and a travel grant to attend the SOLN Conference in Denver. He is the first first-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry to receive the honor. VSP Vision says Martin was selected for a patient-centered private practice business plan.
Runners-up Danaka Howard Batek, from Pacific University College of Optometry, and Sarah Mitchell, from the University of Houston College of Optometry, each received a $5,000 scholarship and travel grants to the SOLN Conference.
Award Perspectives
“This experience challenged me to think more intentionally about the future of private practice and reinforced the importance of keeping patient-centered care at the heart of everything we do,” says Martin.
“We’re committed to supporting the next generation of optometrists on their path to private practice, and the Propel Student Business Challenge Scholarship is one of the ways we help bring that to life,” says Michelle Skinner, chief provider solutions officer at VSP Vision. “Mason’s exceptional business plan really set him apart, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”
About the Scholarship
The Propel Student Business Challenge Scholarship is awarded annually to students attending one of the 26 schools or colleges of optometry with a SOLN-affiliated Private Practice Club. Winners must be active Private Practice Club board member representatives from their schools.
Applicants submit a business plan describing their professional and personal plan for private practice ownership. PECAA judges evaluate and select the top three candidates, who present their business plans at the SOLN Conference, where the official winner is announced.
To date, VSP Vision has provided more than $4.3 million in scholarships to optometry students.