1955:
With a dream to provide high-quality, cost-effective eyecare benefits, a group of optometrists in Oakland, California form the first prepaid, not-for-profit vision benefit.

1960s:
As companies and government agencies recognize the need to include vision care in their employees' benefits packages, VSP (Vision Service Plan) experiences rapid growth and strong partnership with doctors. The VSP concept is so successful that other states use it as a model. In 1968 the company moves its headquarters from Oakland to Sacramento.

1970s:
VSP opens its own optical lab in Sacramento, California to better serve its patients and doctors with a wide-range of products and specialized service. Today VSP works with a lab network of more than 300 facilities nationwide.

1980s:
VSP grows nationally and establishes its roots as a leader in eyecare wellness benefits as organizations in many industries, including education, government, high-tech and banking quickly see the value of vision care.

1990s:
Vision care benefits grow increasingly popular as employers recognize the competitive advantages of providing their employees a complete benefits package. VSP's plan popularity begins to grow at spectacular rates. The number of members increases eleven times since 1980 to over 31 million.

Key Events:

• 1992: VSP launches Altaireyewear, a private label frame company that sells its products exclusively to VSP doctors.
• 1993: VSP moves to its current headquarters building in the Sacramento area.
• 1997: VSP launches Sight for Students. A charity that delivers free eyecare services to thousands of low income children who need vision care, but can't afford it.

2000s
VSP launches Eyefinity, a separate for-profit company that provides e-commerce solutions to private practice VSP doctors. VSP listed by Fortune Magazine as one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For' for seven consecutive years, from 2000 through 2006. In 2006, VSP was also ranked #2 among Fortune Magazine's category of small companies.

Key Events:

• 2003: VSP opens high tech optical lab outside Columbus, Ohio.
• 2004: VSP hits $2 billion gross revenue in December.
• 2005: VSP turns 50 in September.