VSP Launches 3rd Annual Diabetes Campaign

VSP Vision Care is launching its third annual VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign, which provides low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents across America with free health services, including comprehensive eye exams and health risk assessments for diabetes and high blood pressure. The campaign’s first stop is February 13 in Biloxi, Miss., the second highest state in the U.S. for overall diabetes prevalence, according to VSP. Upcoming campaign stops include Columbus, Ohio, Sacramento and Torrance, Calif. and Pittsburgh, Pa. Since the campaign’s inception in May 2010, more than 3,000 people have been helped in eight states, VSP reported. Nearly 50 VSP network doctors who have participated in the campaign have identified both serious eye and general health-related conditions in patients. More than 160 people have been referred to a medical professional for additional treatment.

“Over 25 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and 7 million of those cases are undiagnosed. The VSP Eye on Diabetes campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of eyecare and the role of optometry in detecting and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes,” said Jim McGrann, president of VSP Vision Care.

The campaign utilizes the VSP Mobile Eyes program and partners with local VSP network doctors, state optometric associations and diabetes associations to provide the free health services. Patients who have or are at risk for diabetes are examined onboard a VSP Mobile Eye Clinic outfitted with state-of-the-art exam rooms, dispensaries and a finishing lab.

An additional component of the campaign is a free continuing education course approved by the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) offered in each city for all licensed optometrists. The course provides doctors with the most recent information and tools for them to continue providing quality care for their patients who have or are at-risk for diabetes.

For more information about the campaign, visit vspglobal.com.