Sacramento CA, April 17, 2008 – VSP^® Vision Care is participating in an integrated healthcare pilot program bringing medical professionals together to promote early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes, and improve treatment for those with diabetes. 

VSP eye doctors in Columbus, Georgia will take part in the study by conducting eye exams and health screenings for approximately 2,000 residents. 

Depending on the exam outcome, patients may be referred to either a primary care physician or endocrinologist.  The Columbus Research Foundation will track the patients for three years.

Columbus was selected for the project because of the high prevalence of diabetes in the region.  Where the national average is nearly 7 percent, in Columbus the prevalence is between 10 and 12 percent.

"We feel private practice eyecare is a first line of defense in detecting signs of diabetes because diabetic retinopathy can occur up to 7 years before diagnosis of type 2 diabetes," stated Susan Egbert, director of Quality Management for VSP.  "The Georgia Project brings optometry further into the healthcare continuum and allows eyecare professionals to play an important role in diabetes prevention." 

The Georgia Project is sponsored by the Center for Health Transformation (CHT).  CHT, founded by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 2003, is a high-impact collaboration of private and public sector leaders committed to creating a 21st Century Intelligent Health System.

"I am happy that VSP has joined our Center for Health Transformation collaboration of leaders in Georgia," said Speaker Newt Gingrich.  "Their transformational approach to eyecare provides the type of early diagnosis and intervention that can improve the quality of life as well as save lives and save money."

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VSP Vision Care, with 55 million members, is the only not-for-profit managed vision care company in the United States  Since 1997, VSP has provided more than 450,000 low-income, uninsured children with free eyecare.  Through relationships with the American Diabetes Association, Prevent Blindness America and the Center for Health Transformation, VSP promotes the importance of annual eye exams for maintaining eye health and overall wellness.