Sacramento CA, December 8, 2006 - VSP, the nation's largest vision benefits provider, announced today the future expansion of its Vision Loans^SM program to include the Associate Salary Program. The program will provide loans to VSP network eye doctors for use toward the salaries of new optometric associates. These loans will help VSP network doctors expand their practices while also increasing professional opportunities for recent graduates and optometrists who wish to enter private practice.

The Associate Salary Program is a feature of VSP's Vision Loans^SM program, which provides funds to eye doctors for partnership buy-ins, down payments or the purchase of their first practice. Since its inception in 2003, Vision Loans^SM has issued loans totaling more than $13 million.

In an effort to increase awareness of business opportunities in private practice eyecare, VSP also announced the launch of EyeSeek.vsp.com. This new Web site is a free resource for VSP network doctors who are seeking associates, partners, or potential buyers for their practice. The Web site also enables students, recent graduates, and other eye doctors to locate opportunities with VSP private practices.

"The Associate Salary Program provides important financial opportunities that allow senior doctors to bring new associates into their practices," said VSP Board Chair Dan Mannen, O.D., F.A.A.O. "This program and EyeSeek.vsp.com are further examples of VSP's continued commitment to the long-term success of private practice optometry."

Vision Loans^SM is a joint effort by VSP and Vision One Credit Union and loans are subject to Vision One Credit Union's credit approval and standard documentation. Loan payments return to the program fund and are used for future loans to qualified eye doctors seeking private practice ownership. Loan applicants who are not VSP network doctors are required to demonstrate qualifications to join the VSP network and submit a membership application.

With the recent additions of Alabama, Florida and Tennessee, the loan program now extends to sixteen states. Vision Loans^SM is also available in California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

For more information on Vision Loans^SM or the Associate Salary Program contact Vision One Credit Union's Lending Division at (800) 327-2628.

About VSP
VSP provides comprehensive eyecare benefit plans to more than 47 million members nationwide. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped more than 360,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. Recognized by Fortune Magazine for seven consecutive years as one of best places to work in America, VSP ranks "Highest in Member Satisfaction Among National Vision Plans, Three Years in a Row" by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

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