SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Service Plan (VSP), a national eyecare benefit provider with 41 million members, has pledged $15 million in monetary support and sight-related services for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“At VSP, providing sight to the people of America is our number one priority,” said Roger J. Valine, president and CEO of VSP. “Through our emergency services, we hope to support those affected by Hurricane Katrina, whether that’s a senior citizen who needs a replacement pair of glasses or an optometrist determined to rebuild their practice.”
VSP’s commitment extends to affiliated doctors and the sight impaired, and entails the following:
Eyecare Vouchers -- In conjunction with the Red Cross, VSP has already distributed more than 23,000 vouchers in 26 states directed to those in need. Voucher recipients will be entitled to receive a free eye exam and glasses from a local optometrist.
Mobile Services Program -- To meet the unique needs of individuals who are unable to travel, VSP is working to provide mobile eye exam services in areas where hurricane victims are currently located. In addition, VSP is developing a plan to fund mobile units that will be available for deployment to future disaster sites.
Member Eyecare Program -- Those VSP Members who lost or had glasses destroyed as a result of Hurricane Katrina can have them replaced at no charge.
Doctor Assistance -- As needed, VSP will provide financial assistance to the VSP-affiliated doctors living and/or working in the Hurricane affected areas to provide emergency monetary assistance for a damaged or closed business, and to repair or rebuild an eyecare practice. The VSP Crisis Assistance Loan Program provides basic financial support to help affected VSP doctors during the critical first few weeks/months following the disaster. Support will be a loan based on the amount of VSP claim activity for up to three months due to extreme hardship. Meanwhile, VSP will join forces with Vision One Credit Union to provide loans as a bridge between federal assistance and other financial aid options to help VSP doctors get their practices reestablished.
About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With more than 41 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 more than 300,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. VSP, a company with over $2 billion in annual gross revenue, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine for the sixth consecutive year as one of best places to work in America. For more information, visit VSP online at www.vsp.com.
Vision Service Plan
CONTACT: Christine Pierson, +1-916-202-0678, for VSP
Web site: http://www.vsp.com//
