Pre-Optometry College Majors
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must provide proof of acceptance into an accredited program of study for a Doctor of Optometry degree on a full-time basis and course transcripts.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from the sponsoring Doctors Vision Center Optometrist.
- The student will be required to complete a tuition loan application and successfully interview with members of Doctors Vision Center Executive Group.
- Students must have maintained a “B” average, or better, throughout their academic career in order to be eligible to apply and must maintain a “B” average, or better throughout the year to continue to receive assistance.
- Proof of eligibility and completed application must be submitted to Doctors Vision Center Human Resources.
- Students will be required to sign a Loan Repayment Agreement and a Waiver for a credit check prior to disbursement of funds.
- Students will be required to sign a HIPAA release form with the school to enable the release of academic performance to Doctors Vision Center.
Doctors Vision Center Board of Directors will make the final decision which qualified student(s) will receive available tuition assistance. Availability will depend on company funds and business needs. A credit check will be done to verify that the student has an acceptable loan repayment history (e.g., has not defaulted on any prior or outstanding loans).
Issuance of Tuition Loan
Once the student’s loan repayment history has been determined to be acceptable and the loan repayment agreement has been signed, a check request for the appropriate amount of financial assistance for that semester must be completed. Checks need to be made payable to the school with the student’s ID number and/or social security number. Checks will be mailed directly to the school. All check requests must be signed by the DVC CEO and the Human Resources Manager.
Prior to issuing of additional funds, a performance evaluation must be received from the student’s program director. The student will need to sign a release form with the school so that records can be released by the program director. The evaluation is completed by the program director verifying that the student is maintaining an acceptable level of academic performance (“B” average or better). If the student is in good academic standing, the additional funds will be approved.
A letter including contact information should be sent to the student 1-2 months prior to graduation. This letter should also instruct the student to contact Doctors Vision Center Human Resources regarding their plans upon graduation and to schedule the necessary interviews.
Graduation
Once the student has graduated and has maintained an average of “B” or better, the student will be invited to apply for an open Associate Optometrist position with Doctors Vision Center. The student’s application will be considered along with other qualified candidates and must follow proper hiring procedures as any other qualified candidate would.
Repayment of Tuition Loan
If Doctors Vision Center hires the student, the loan repayment amount will be reduced by up to $5,000 including accrued interest for each full year of employment until the loan balance is zero. If the candidate decides to leave the company or is involuntarily discharged prior to the loan balance equaling zero, the student must repay the remaining balance.
If the student does not graduate, does not maintain an average of “B” or better, or is not employed by Doctors Vision Center, the student is responsible for repaying the full amount of the loan plus interest at prime rate plus one percent. Students should pay off their loan balance in full immediately; however, monthly payments may be arranged if necessary. The amount of time to repay the loan will not exceed seven (7) years. Any repayment schedule must be documented and signed by the student.
This program shall not constitute an offer of employment by Doctors Vision Center and the applicant shall not be entitled to any preference over any other candidate. In addition, Doctors Vision Center is an “at will” employer and is committed to the Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
For employment opportunities please contact Dr. Tracey Glendenning, Medical Director at tglendenning
eyeamerica.com.
