RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP Global has announced it is partnering with industry leaders Carl Zeiss Vision and Hoya Vision Care to expand choice and flexibility for VSP network doctors participating in the VSP Global Premier Program. Starting July 1, 2021, in addition to VSP Optics products, purchases of eligible Hoya and Zeiss lenses and enhancements dispensed to VSP patients will count toward practices’ Premier Program lens target. “To differentiate and compete, doctors have told us they want greater choice in partners who can support both the business and clinical sides of their practices,” said VSP Global chief network officer Michelle Skinner.

“We heard them loud and clear and could not be more excited to team up with Carl Zeiss Vision and Hoya Vision Care to deliver expanded choice, flexibility and value. We will continue to evolve the Premier Program and provide unparalleled opportunities and offers to those who choose to participate.” 

To support the long-term success of network doctors, the Premier Program provides business-building benefits, increased patient traffic and profitability, career planning and robust staff training and education. During the past seven years, nearly 53 million patients chose a practice participating in the Premier Program for their eyecare and eyewear needs, VSP Global said. The program has delivered more than $15 billion in revenue to participating practices, the announcement stated.

“As a firm believer in the power of choice for all independent eyecare professionals, we are committed to their business and patient success,” said Eduardo Martins,  president of Hoya Vision Care U.S. “Together with our extensive resources and education, joining the VSP Global Premier Program reaffirms that commitment and our shared goal of supporting our customers to achieve their long-term success.”

 “As a foundation-owned company celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Carl Zeiss Vision is proud of its long-standing record of supporting a competitive, innovative and independent optical industry. With Zeiss solutions now counting toward Premier Program lens targets, we look forward to providing more options and higher flexibility to practices,” said Jens Boy, president of Zeiss Vision Care. 

In Premier, practices can choose their level of participation in the Premier Program from three distinct tiers. To unlock the benefits, practices must meet tier criteria, including flexible combined purchases from Marchon Eyewear, Altair Eyewear, VSP Optics, Hoya and Zeiss. Purchases of VSP Optics, Hoya and Zeiss will equally count toward the practices' Premier Program lens target, a VSP spokesperson confirmed to VMAIL. Qualifying practices must also offer consumer conveniences like retinal imaging, exclusive VSP "Member Extra" offers, and free fittings and adjustments. Tiers and key benefits include:

  • Silver: Practices can leverage My Marketing Team to increase patient engagement, add an online appointment scheduling link to Find a Doctor, and have full access to Premier Academy360. 
  • Gold: In addition to enjoying all Silver benefits, practices receive the Premier Program banner, enhancing their listing on VSP.com to support patient flow. They also enjoy special offers and discounts with Premier Program Partners. 
  • Platinum: In addition to all Silver and Gold benefits, practices unlock additional payments and rewards. They also have access to job posting and recruitment services, as well as enhanced marketing services, including complimentary social media management and more. 
Practices participating in the Premier Program have unique access to other industry partners offering frames, equipment, business support and technology with benefits like exclusive pricing, free shipping, VIP support and more.  These include Maui Jim, Kering Eyewear,  Bausch + Lomb, CareCredit, Optos, Tura, WestGroupe, Modo, WorldPay, Weave, SHRM, Staples, Abyde, Briot, Optovue, Solutionreach, and Vision One Credit Union.