Sacramento CA, February 9, 2005 - Whether it's buying an existing practice, buying into a partnership or simply making a down payment as a first-time practice purchaser, a new loan program financed by VSP (Vision Service Plan) and administered by Vision One Credit Union is helping private-practice eye doctors become business owners.

With the addition of Washington, there are now six states where the loan program is available. The other states are California, Ohio, Colorado, Indiana and Texas.

"We are excited to offer this loan program to private practice eye doctors in Washington," said Bob Schultz, President and CEO of Vision One Credit Union. "With the level of interest shown in the other states, it is clear this loan program is filling an industry need."

"We have established this program to help new private practice eye doctors who dream of owning a practice, but lack the equity necessary to qualify for many small business loans," said Roger Valine, VSP President and CEO. "This loan program further demonstrates VSP's ongoing commitment to private practice eyecare."

VSP has made an initial commitment of $5 million to fund the loan program. All repayments will be returned to the loan fund to help provide loans to other doctors.

Loans must be commercially viable and may be made to corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors or individuals, subject to Vision One Credit Union's credit approval and standard documentation. Loan applicants who are not part of the VSP member doctor network will be required to demonstrate that they are qualified to join the network, and submit an application for membership, as part of the loan process.

Vision One offers full service banking exclusively to private practice optometrists and companies that support independent optometry. Services include loans for practice purchase, improvements, equipment and commercial real estate; in addition to a full range of federally insured deposit accounts for business or personal use.

Potential applicants for the VSP loan program should contact Jeanne Fletcher at Vision One Credit Union, 800-327-2628. Additional information is available at www.visionone.org.

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With more than 39 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 250,000 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 us online at www.vsp.com.

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