VSP introduced Sight for Students in 1997 in response to what continues to be one of the most overlooked healthcare issues for children, the need for regular eyecare. In a 2004 national survey conducted by VSP, it was found that nearly seven out of ten parents with children under age six have never taken their children to an eyecare specialist for an eye examination. And, of those children who have been checked, only 30 percent have been seen by an eye doctor. That means tens of thousands of children enter school each year with undetected vision problems that can hinder academic development and performance.

VSP is proud to have launched Sight for Students as a commitment to "America's Promise Alliance." This comprehensive program to improve the lives of America's young people was founded by Ret. Gen. Colin Powell.

Since its inception in 1997, Sight for Students has provided free eye exams and glasses to more than 500,000 low-income/uninsured children at a cost of more than $96 million. VSP’s goal is to help 50,000 children a year, a number it has exceeded in each of the past eight years.

Sight for Students certificates are delivered through a network of community partners who work directly with children. VSP relies on these partners to identify children with potential vision problems and determine if a child meets the eligibility requirements of the Sight for Students program. The following national partners participate in Sight for Students: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, National Association of School Nurses, National Association of Community Health Centers and the American Optometric Association. Regional partners include: Prevent Blindness America, several state optometric associations, the National Council of LaRaza and Communities in Schools.

Children who receive a Sight for Students gift certificate will receive care from the VSP network eye doctor of their choice. VSP has 25,000 eye doctors on its panel, representing the best in private practice eyecare.