Sacramento CA, March 24, 2008 – Local resident Lori Andersen, a science teacher at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia has been named the 2008 winner of the “VSP Vision of Science” award sponsored by VSP^® Vision Care, the nation’s largest eyecare benefits provider with 54 million members, and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

Andersen will be honored in Boston at the NSTA National Conference Awards Banquet on March 28, 2008 and awarded $2,500 as well as a one-year NSTA membership. Additionally, Grafton High School will receive $3,000 dedicated towards the study, teaching and learning of eye vision and health.

“Ms. Andersen’s unique physical optics course has encouraged students to explore the wonders of vision and the human eye,” said Dr. Joseph Grant, a VSP optometrist. “Her commitment to raising her students’ awareness of vision and overall eyecare has been exceptional, and serves as an exemplary model for other educators to follow.”

Andersen’s program presents students with the challenge of helping someone who is nearsighted with the proper method of vision correction. Students then study the functions of the eye through a variety of hands-on research using lasers, lenses, and a functional eye model.

The annual award recognizes one classroom science teacher (grades K-12) who has designed creative, innovative science lessons that develop an understanding of eye health and vision.

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VSP Vision Care provides comprehensive eyecare benefit plans to over 54 million members nationwide. VSP's Sight for Students^SM program has helped more than 430,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. Recognized by FORTUNE magazine for nine 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.

About NSTA

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership of more than 55,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.