RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Nov. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For many people, recovery efforts following Superstorm Sandy are much more difficult as their glasses were lost or damaged during the storm, making even simple tasks more complex. To help, VSP Vision Care (VSP) has committed relief efforts valued up to $1 million to ensure those affected have access to quality eyecare and eyewear.
VSP, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company in the United States, is sending two state-of-the-art, 40-foot mobile eyecare clinics to impacted areas in New York and New Jersey. Each clinic is outfitted with an exam room, eyewear frame dispensary and finishing lab allowing glasses to be made on-site. Examinations will be provided by local VSP optometrists. The areas where upcoming outreach will initially take place include Brooklyn, NY, Toms River, NJ and Seaside Heights, NJ.
In addition to the mobile clinics, VSP has also provided the American Red Cross with 2,100 gift certificates, valued at more than $800,000, to distribute to those in need across all of the areas affected by the storm. The gift certificates are redeemable at local VSP doctors' offices and include a comprehensive eye exam and eyewear. VSP has also committed to providing more gift certificates as requests come in.
"Our primary concern during these challenging times is to help ensure that an important and immediate need such as restoring sight is filled," said Jim McGrann, president of VSP Vision Care. "Whether individuals are seen on the mobile clinics or they receive a VSP gift certificate from a local Red Cross chapter, we are committed to providing access to critical care during this time of need."
Other VSP relief efforts to support those affected by Superstorm Sandy include:
- Matching VSP employee contributions dollar for dollar to the American Red Cross. To join VSP in donating to the American Red Cross, please click here.
- Providing aid to VSP eye doctors who were impacted by the storm so that they can continue to provide patient care.
For more information about VSP Global outreach, please visit vspglobal.com.
About VSP Global
VSP Global® includes VSP Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company in the United States with 58 million members; Marchon® Eyewear Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers, designers and distributors of quality fashion and technologically-advanced eyewear and sunwear; Eyefinity® which offers innovative solutions and the premier management software and technology to improve overall practice management and patient experience; VSP Optics Group, industry leaders in new technologies, production processes, service and logistics. Learn more at www.facebook.com/vspvisioncare.
To date, through VSP community outreach programs such as VSP Mobile Eyes® and Sight for Students®, and through relationships including those with the American Red Cross and Prevent Blindness America, VSP has invested more than $150 million in free eyecare and eyewear for more than 785,000 adults and children in need throughout the United States.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15752
The Vision Service Plan logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13343
