by Tamarreo Tatum
Mason Martin, Class of 2029, has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship through the VSP Vision Student Business Challenge, recognizing his early commitment to private practice and expanding access to care.
The VSP Vision Student Business Challenge helps students nationwide apply business and leadership skills to real-world practice scenarios before entering the profession.
“One of my long-term goals is to have an optometry practice, so I saw this challenge as a chance to start learning those business skills early in my education,” Martin said.
For the competition, Martin developed a cold-start practice concept designed to serve a rural Alabama community.
Developing the business plan required Martin to consider every aspect of practice ownership, from daily operations to community outreach. To refine his vision, he sought guidance from trusted mentors, including his father, Marston Martin, OD, Class of 1996, and his brother, Cole Martin, OD, Class of 2025. Drawing on their experience and support, Martin gained valuable insight into building and sustaining a successful practice.
“Hearing directly from doctors who have successfully built their own practices provided valuable insights that helped shape my proposal and strengthened my understanding of what it takes to succeed as a future practice owner,” Martin said.
Martin plans to use the scholarship to help offset costs associated with his optometry school education.
“This scholarship will help cover the cost of optometry equipment and reduce my student loan burden,” he said. “Looking ahead, it will also help me move more quickly toward my long-term goal of private practice ownership by providing greater financial flexibility.”
Martin said he is grateful for the opportunity and views it as a steppingstone toward making a broader impact on patient care.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the support it provides as I continue my journey in optometry,” he said.
UABSO is incredibly proud of him and his achievement. Accomplishments like this continue to elevate the reputation of our program and highlight the exceptional students we serve.