Press Releases


VSP Children's Vision Program Finds
31 Percent Need Follow-up Care

Sacramento CA, Sept 8, 2003 - More than 400 children received comprehensive vision testing this summer as part of VSP's Get Focused program. As a result of the testing, 31 percent were found to have previously undetected vision problems, reinforcing the importance of regular eye exams for children.

Get Focused is VSP's (Vision Service Plan) national campaign to educate Americans on the importance of regular eyecare. Events were held with minor league baseball teams in Orlando, FL; Durham, NC; Camden, NJ and San Antonio, TX. In addition, there was a Get Focused Soccer event with the New York MetroStars and a Get Focused Eye Spy Safari at the Sacramento Zoo.

Volunteer VSP eye doctors conducted the eye exams at each event with critical support from their respective state and local optometric associations. Students from SUNY College of Optometry and the Pennsylvania School of Optometry assisted licensed optometrists with the vision testing at two East Coast events. Children were brought to each event by local Head Start programs or Boys & Girls Clubs.

In all, 428 children received vision tests at the summer Get Focused events, with 131 needing follow-up care. Children identified as needing additional care can apply for free eyecare vouchers through VSP's Sight for Students^TM program. The participating Head Start programs or Boys & Girls Clubs, both Sight for Student^TM partners, will work with parents to make sure children receive follow-up care.

The educational program continues this fall as Get Focused events are scheduled for Houston, TX and Honolulu, HI. For more information about VSP's Get Focused Program visit www.getfocusedamerica.org.

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With nearly 38 million members nationwide, one in eight people in the United States relies on VSP for eyecare health coverage. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped 160,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

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