VSP VISION VALUE MEETINGS: AMBASSADOR GUIDE

Your step-by-step playbook for 2026 Value Meetings

What Is a Value Meeting?

A Value Meeting is a purposeful conversation held with association or society leaders, peers, or policymakers that reinforces VSP’s value to the profession while raising awareness of legislative efforts that create unintended consequences for doctors and the patients they serve. The goal: to advocate for the value VSP delivers to private practice optometry, strengthen partnerships, and share critical information.

Your Role

Your Role

Complete seven Value Meetings in 2026
Use approved talking points to ensure consistency
Fill out the short survey (linked below) after each meeting
Report insights and challenges to help refine the Ambassador Program

Step-by-Step: How to Execute a Value Meeting

Identify Who to Meet With

Start with your state’s optometric association board members, legislative committee chairs, and influential private practice leaders.

→ Action: Write down 7 names to target. Need help? If you’re unsure who to target, reach out to the Ambassador Team for suggestions. We can help you identify key leaders in your area based on recent activity, association roles, or past engagement.

Schedule the Meeting

Use email, text, or event networking to set it up. Virtual or in-person is fine.

→ Action: Get your first meeting on the calendar by the end of February 2026.

Prepare for the Conversation

Choose 1–2 key messages that fit your audience. These talking points are designed to help you lead confident, productive conversations.

→ Action: Come ready with 2 VSP messages + 1 question to ask (see examples below).

Lead the Conversation

Keep it personal, but focused. Your job is to:

Advocate for VSP’s value
Share how VSP supports private practice
Listen for feedback or concerns
→ Tip: Use examples from your own practice when possible.

Complete the Survey

After each meeting, fill out the Value Meeting Survey to log the conversation.

→ Required: This is how we track and learn from your meetings, as well as identify any additional support that’s needed.

Stay Engaged

We will provide additional training at the Ambassador Meeting in April and virtually in the Fall. In the meantime, keep the momentum going by scheduling meetings, using the talking points, and reaching out to the Ambassador Team for support or ideas. Ask for help if needed.

Quick Message Formula

“I want to meet with you because I care about the future of private practice.”
“Here’s how VSP is helping providers stay independent and successful…”
“What are you hearing from other ODs, and how can we support?”

Ask These Questions During Your Meeting

What keeps you up at night about the profession right now?
Where do you see room for stronger support from VSP?
What concerns do you have about anti-managed vision care legislation?
How can I help you better understand what VSP offers providers?

Post-Meeting

Consider using this email template to send a follow-up email.

Equations for Success

Right People + Right Message + Right Setting = Real Influence

→ Identify the right leader

→ Deliver a focused message

→ Meet them where they are (events, board meetings, coffee, etc.)

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact:

West Region:

Whitney Gagnebin

916.218.2657

Whitney.gagnebin@vsp.com

Central Region:

CJ McBride will be joining the Ambassador Program Team on 1/26 to backfill Christine’s role and will support the Central Region Ambassadors. Please also include Stacie Anderson throughout Q1 while CJ is onboarding in his new role.

CJ McBride

480.881.2707

Cj.mcbride@vsp.com

Stacie Anderson

916.952.8515

Stacie.anderson@vsp.com

East Region:

Vanessa Uzong

612.414.2890

Vanessa.uzong@vsp.com

Conclusion
You’re not just representing VSP—you’re shaping the future of private practice. Start with one meeting. Use the tools. Ask great questions. Share what you learn. Together, in 2025, you all held 508 Value Meetings; let’s get to 600 Value Meetings in 2026!