Press Releases


VSP Program Finds 28% of Children Have Vision-Related Problems

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Approximately one out of every four children has a vision problem, according to the results generated from VSP's series of "Kids Get Focused" events. These figures are consistent with a Prevent Blindness America study, which found that vision problems affect one in four school-age children and one in twenty preschoolers.

VSP recently completed events in seven states as part of its "Kids Get Focused" campaign. The goal is to educate parents about the need for regular eye exams and the role good vision plays in academic and athletic performance. A significant percentage of children failed their screening. Below are the failure rates for the screenings conducted in each city:

• Memphis, TN - 28%
• Birmingham, AL - 23%
• Grand Rapids, MI - 29%
• Portland, OR - 32%
• Columbus, OH - 34%
• Sacramento, CA - 15%
• Indianapolis, IN - 30%
  

"The results of the screenings conducted at these events reinforce the need for parents to schedule regular eye exams for their children," said Dr. Catherine Amos, VSP Board Chair. "Undetected vision problems can significantly hinder a child's performance in school and sports. Therefore, it is critical that parents give their children every opportunity to succeed by making vision care a priority."

Children were given a ballpark tour, heard from players about the impact good vision has on sports performance, and participated in fun batting, pitching and catching drills while wearing goggles that simulated blurred vision. Children identified as having a vision problem were referred to an eye care doctor for a comprehensive exam. Financial assistance was provided to low-income, uninsured children through VSP's ongoing Sight for StudentsTM program.

VSP provides eye care benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eye care. With more than 36 million members nationwide, more than one in 9 people in the United States rely on VSP for eye care health coverage. In addition, VSP donates $10 million a year to provide free eye care for more than 50,000 underprivileged children through its Sight For Students program. For more information about VSP, visit the online "newsroom" at www.vsp.com.