San Antonio, Texas – April 3, 2006 – Local resident Sandra Geisbush, a science teacher at San Antonio's Garner Middle School, is the 2006 winner of the "VSP Vision of Science" award sponsored by VSP (Vision Service Plan) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

Sandra will be honored in Anaheim at the NSTA National Conference Awards Banquet on April 7, 2006, and will be awarded $2,500 along with a one-year NSTA membership. Additionally, Garner Middle School will receive a check for $3,000 to be used for the study, teaching, and learning of eye vision and health.

"Ms. Geisbush is commended for her commitment to providing fun, interactive vision education for her students. Her program exemplifies VSP's commitment to teaching children the importance of eyecare for lifelong healthy vision," said Pam Lapinski, VSP Community Relations. "Not only was her classroom component outstanding, but she also effectively incorporated a community outreach element to assist individuals in need."

"The Eyes of Texas" program aims to help students learn about vision, explore ways to keep their eyes safe and healthy, discover resources to help those in need, and share findings with families and community members. Geisbush's program originally started with sixth grade science students, but quickly grew to also include seventh and eighth graders. During this upcoming year, Garner Middle School hopes to share the program with the cluster of nearby elementary schools, impacting hundreds of families in the district.

"The Eyes of Texas program demonstrates to students how science can help us solve real-life problems," said Dr. Mike Padilla, NSTA President. "Students can apply what they've learned through the program's research and science tasks to explore ways to preserve their precious vision."

The annual award recognizes a K-8 classroom science teacher who has developed a creative, innovative science lesson that increases the understanding of eye health and vision.

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.

About National Science Teacher Association
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

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