07/30/2026
OVP Announces 2026 Student Loan Repayment Award Recipients and Honors a Decade of Dedicated Service
The OOA and Ohio Vision Project (OVP) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 OVP Student Loan Repayment Awards, recognizing OOA members for their association involvement, benevolence and community service. This year, 21 member ODs submitted competitive applications showcasing a wide range of pro bono care and volunteerism in their communities. OVP utilizes a blind-scoring methodology to determine the winners. This year, eight applicants elevated their score by going above and beyond in several categories.
Combined, the recipients selected this year donated hundreds of hours of their time in 2025 supporting local non-profits and community organizations. In addition to supporting their local communities, the award recipients provided care to Medicaid patients, provided InfantSEE exams, volunteered as a Realeyes presenter and, or participated in an iSee Ohio clinic. Their combined awards totaled $30,000!
The Student Loan Repayment (SLR) program was created to assist doctors of optometry who are meeting the ocular health needs of those in underserved populations of Ohio. It is designed to encourage and reward optometrists who are providing care for those most in need, including patients living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area/Populations (MUA/P), and those on Medicaid or Medicare. The program is retrospective and accepts applications from those who demonstrate that they are already serving communities in great need of vision care.
Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients:
- Dr. Beth Army
- Dr. Eriq Hall
- Dr. Zach Leach
- Dr. Michael Miller
- Dr. Natalie Nguyen
- Dr. Deborah Stein
- Dr. Jennifer Vincent
- Dr. Mary Beth Yackey
All OOA members with outstanding education loan debt are encouraged to apply for Student Loan Repayment in 2027. Applications are usually made available in February or March. Each application is evaluated through blind scoring. While a portion of the scored criteria for the OVP Student Loan Repayment program is related to practice details such as patient base, much of the scored criteria involve attainable volunteerism and member participation. For example, members gain points on SLR applications for attendance at OOA events such as EastWest and/or zone meetings. Volunteering with OOA backed initiatives such as Realeyes and iSee Ohio also improve SLR scores. Both programs are highly accessible to member ODs and OOA staff handle the majority of the coordination and administrative aspects of participation. For more information on Realeyes email realeyes@ooa.org, and to participate with iSee Ohio, email info@iseeohio.org.
Recognizing Dr. Karen Riccio
The OOA and OVP also recognize Dr. Karen Riccio for her exceptional service on the OVP Board. Since the Board's inception in 2014, Dr. Riccio has been a steadfast leader, trusted advisor, and champion of OVP initiatives, including the Student Loan Repayment Program. As Dr. Riccio concludes her service on the OVP Board, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her years of leadership and service. Her legacy will continue to influence the Board's work and the future of OVP for years to come.
In 2027, the OVP will welcome its new board member, OOA past president, Dr. Heath Gilbert. Dr. Lee Favede will serve as chair.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Student Loan Repayment Award recipients and thanking Dr. Karen Riccio for her remarkable service and contributions to OVP. We look forward to continuing this important program and recognizing ODs who go above and beyond providing exceptional vision related services in their communities.