Sacramento CA, March 27, 2006 - Local students will go beyond reading, writing and arithmetic on March 29th, as the subject of healthy vision joins the day's lesson plans. VSP (Vision Service Plan), the nation's largest eyecare benefits provider, will bring 10 doctors into Chicago Public Schools to launch its 'Doctor in the Classroom' program. The program is designed to teach students about the importance of healthy eyes and explain how poor eyesight can affect school performance.

Low grades, behavior issues and reading difficulties can all be attributed to a multitude of factors, but many students and their parents are not aware that vision problems can sometimes be to blame. The Chicago Public Schools Office of Specialized Services, an advocate of children's eye health, supports VSP's program and hopes that students will take the eyecare lessons home to their parents.

"If students are referred for an evaluation for a potential disability, one of the first things that is assessed is whether the student has adequate vision and hearing. By being proactive and identifying these students even before the referral occurs, we are highlighting the need for prevention," shares Dr. Renee Grant-Mitchell, Chief Specialized Services Officer with Chicago Public Schools.

"Children and families often don't know what correct vision looks like, so it's difficult for them to know if they have a problem with their eyes." shares Dr. Grant-Mitchell. "This program teaches students the warning signs, and they can bring these lessons home to their parents and schedule an eye exam. An eye exam can reveal vision issues before they get in the way of learning."

'Doctor in the Classroom' includes curriculum that demonstrates easy ways to keep eyes healthy, as well as some of the signs that a student may have a vision problem. The goal of the program is to encourage kids to take care of their vision and instill positive habits that will benefit them in the classroom and throughout their lives.

"With the school year quickly coming to a close and report cards around the corner, some area students may be discouraged with their classroom performance," said VSP eye doctor Dennis De Lee, O.D., PC. "A simple eye exam might pin-point a problem that, once corrected, would give them a chance to succeed in school and feel good about themselves."

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to primary medical eyecare. With more than 44 million members nationwide, one in seven people in the United States relies on VSP for eyecare health coverage. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped more than 320,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. VSP, a company with over $2.2 billion in annual gross revenue, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine for the seventh consecutive year as one of best places to work in America. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

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